Free-field motion near a nuclear exposion in salt: Project Salmon

Abstract

Calculations (SOC computer code) of shock pressure, position, velocity, and material displacement have been made for the Salmon detonation (design yield of 5 kt) based both on results from the Gnome event (3.1 kt in salt) and physical properties measurements of the material in the shot region. Comparison of the calculations with experimental data gives agreement for peak pressure and peak velocity within 20 to 50% over the range calculated (1 to 600 meters). Calculations and observations agreed to within 1 to 10% for shock wave arrival times, to 25% for displacement of the salt at 300 meters, and to within 10 to 50% for ground surface motion directly above the shot. The calculations based on physical properties measurements from the shot region generally gave better agreement with the data than those extrapolated from the Gnome event. The central cavity apparently grew to a radius of 24 m during the initial dynamic stage and then contracted back to a radius of 17 meters after the shot.