LARGE NON-NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS, THEIR NATURE AND EFFECTS

Data on the nature and principal effects of large explosions, cratering and redistribution of rocks, rock breakage. seismic effects. and air blast effects were collected. Detailed information concerning several big explosions is given. In the first approximation two types of rocks were considered: soil without tensile strength, and unfractured rocks. Baldwin's relationship between the depth and the diameter of the crater produced by surface explosions is discussed. The redistribution of rock for a concentrated charge can be characterized by the height and width of the rim. The types of rock fracture occurring when a confined charge explodes are described. Seismic effects of an explosion were found to be characterized by maximum vertical and horizontal amplitude of the motion, the dominant frequency, and the duration of the vibrations. The formation of the shock and pressure waves for explosions in air is described. (M.C.G.)