Variation of nuclear explosion generated acoustic-gravity wave forms with burst height and with energy yield

Abstract

A formulation of a method for synthesizing theoretical infrasonic far-field pressure wave forms generated by nuclear explosions is described which differs from that described by Harkrider in 1964 primarily in the method by which the source presence is incorporated. The rationale of the model is described and a number of predicted wave forms created by the detonation of nuclear explosions in temperature-stratified and wind-stratified atmospheres are presented to illustrate the effects of winds and the effect of the varying energy yield and of the height of burst. Theoretical wave forms are compared with a number of observed wave forms previously exhibited by Harkrider. Discrepancies are pointed out among the predictions of Scorer, of Weston, of Hunt, Palmer, and Penney, and of Harkrider as to the effects of height of burst. Our formulation predicts the early portion of wave forms received on the ground to be nearly proportional to yield and to increase slowly with height of burst up to a height of the order of 40 km (which depends on yield) and then to decrease rapidly with further increasing height. These predictions are explained in simpler terms if the early portion of the wave form is assumed to be carried in a single composite guided mode analogous to that predicted by Lamb for the isothermal atmosphere.