-3-
1/3
ty
—
to
4
(Wy)
_(
=(
7)
)
Where t is the duration of the blast
WAVE.s
()
(We)
In certain respects, subsequent tests have shown
some of the quantitative statements in the original volume
to be in error.
These will be corrected in the next revision.
The most important of them are noted here.
The descrivtion of the atomic explosion by now
should be familiar to al’.
At the moment of energy release
a bomb is represented by a small sphere of intensely radioactive material of exceedingly high temperature and under
enormous pressure.
The mass rapidly expands spherically
into the fiercely luminous fireball which then ascends at
a high rate of speed.
knergy is delivered as blast, heat,
and radioactivity.
BLAST EFFECTS
The shock wave characteristically has a very sharply
rising front with a prclonged positive pressure phase followed by an even longer negative phase.
The time characteristics
of this typical shock wave follow from the scaling laws
mentioned so that with smali explosions, such as those of
a few tons of TNT, the wave form is sharp and of short
duration while with megatc> aetonations the blast pressure
may be exerted for several seconds.
Experiment has shown that the effects of blast with
nuclear detonations de rot differ qualitatively from those
found with high explosives.
Surprisingly high peak pressures
may be tolerated without fatal injury provided the attendant
accelerations are prevented or minimized.
While overpressures of 5 los. per square inch may occasionally rupture
the ear drum, several times this figure may, in some situations,
not cause serious injury.
In animals subjected to 15-25 p.s.i.
over-pressure, small retechial hemorrhages in the lungs and
in the gastrointestiiai: and urinary tracts are frequently
found.
Ear-drunm rupture is then almost a constant finding
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