Performance Predictions for the ARL Enhanced 2.44-m Blast Simulator.

Abstract

Abstract : The 2.44-m blast simulator is designed to simulate the blast waveform from an ideal nuclear event. The purposes of this report are to predict the range of equivalent nuclear weapon yields that can be simulated at the facility and to act as an aid for future experimental testing. A quasi-one-dimensional inviscid finite difference hydrocode, known as BRL-Q1D, is used to generate a computational prediction of the blast simulator performance. Based on the facility geometry and maximum rated conditions for the driver tube, peak static shock overpressures are predicted to range from 21.5 kPa to 260 kPa (3 to 37 psig). Static overpressure and dynamic pressure plots, based on BRL-Q1D results, are compared to ideal waveforms to evaluate waveform fidelity. Equivalent nuclear weapon yields are predicted to range from 1.1 kilotons (kt) to 29.0 kt, based on static overpressure impulse, and 0.6 kt to 9.8 kt, based on dynamic pressure impulse.