Thermal Radiation from Nuclear Detonations in Urban Environments.

Masrrs, R. E. ; Moss, W. C. ; Whitlock, B.

Technical Information Center Oak Ridge Tennessee

关键词: Damage;    Thermal radiation;    Nuclear explosions;    Urban areas;    Detonations;   

RP-ID  :  DE2007912675

学科分类：工程和技术（综合）

美国|英语

来源: National Technical Reports Library

【 摘 要 】

There are three principal causes of prompt casualties from a nuclear detonation: nuclear (gamma-ray and neutron) radiation, thermal radiation, and blast. Common estimates of the range of these prompt effects indicate that thermal radiation has the largest lethal range. Non-lethal skin burns, flash blindness, and retinal burns occur out to much greater range. Estimates of casualties from thermal radiation assume air bursts over flat terrain. In urban environments with multiple buildings and terrain features, the extent of thermal radiation may be significantly reduced by shadowing. We have developed a capability for calculating the distribution of thermal energy deposition in urban environments using detailed 3D computer models of actual cities. The size, height, and radiated power from the fireball as a function of time are combined with ray tracing to calculate the energy deposition on all surfaces. For surface bursts less than 100 kt in locations with large buildings or terrain features, the calculations confirm the expected reduction in thermal damage.