High explosive nuclear effects testing
When the Limited Test Ban Treaty came into effect in 1963, nuclear testing in the atmosphere was prohibited. However alternatives to atmospheric nuclear testing were required to continue the study of nuclear weapons effects.[1] These would allow obtaining data related to air-blast, ground-shock, structure-response data, bio-medical effects and other various phenomena. Large scale field tests using conventional high explosives were devised to this end. The following is a list of such events with yields of more than 100 pounds.[2]
| Name | Series | Date | Location | Tests | Max Yield (pounds) | Explosive | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity (100-ton Test on tower) | Trinity | 7 May 1945 | White Sands Missile Range | 1 | 216,000 | TNT, Composition B. | Calibration test preceding the first nuclear explosion |
| Nol Dahlgren | Nol | 22 Sept-18 Nov 1952 | Dahlgren, Virginia | 2 | 100 | TNT Mk 14 | Obtain data on the scaling of surface phenomena from shallow underwater explosions and studies of base surge and water formation. |
References
- ^ Defense Special Weapons Agency, 1947–1997 the first 50 years of national service. DIANE Publishing. p. 16. ISBN 9781428981508. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ E. L., Harner (March 1977). Guide to High Explosive Field Tests with Military Applications - Yields of 100 Pounds or More. Defence Technical Information Center. Retrieved 1 June 2017.