In one way, nuclear weapons are no different fromordinary high-explosive bombs—both are designed tocause destruction by blast and shock effects. Of course,nuclear weapons have a much greater destructioncapability than conventional high-explosive weapons,with the added effects of nuclear radiation.Nuclear explosions are classed according to thepoint of detonation with relationship to the surface ofthe earth—a high altitude blast, an air blast, a surfaceblast, and a subsurface blast.HIGH ALTITUDE BLASTA high altitude blast (fig. 13-1) is defined as a blastthat takes place above 100,000 feet. The major aim ofthis blast is to destroy or interrupt satellites andcommunication systems through the effect of anelectromagnetic pulse (EMP). Basically, the EMP is anintense electrical surge that affects electronic orelectrical equipment in a burnout that’s equivalent(equal) to that caused by a lightning strike.AIR BLASTAn air blast (fig. 13-2) is one in which the fireball isbelow 100,000 feet and doesn’t touch the earth’ssurface. The radiation effects from an air blast areminimal. The main reason for using an air blast is itsdestructive value produced in the expansion andcompression phases of weapon detonation. The blastcauses an over pressurization that crushes everything inits path. The front of the blast is called the mock front.An air blast would be most effective to use against abattle group at sea because it would structurally damageand/or sink many ships.SURFACE BLASTA surface blast (fig. 13-3) is one in which thefireball touches the earth’s surface. Most of the damagecaused by a surface blast is due to the shock (or blast)wave that accompanies the explosion. Large amounts ofsurface materials are vaporized and taken into thefireball. As the fireball rises, more debris is sucked upby the strong after winds. Much of this debris returns toearth as radioactive fallout.13-8Student Notes:Figure 13-1.—A high altitude blast.Figure 13-2.—An air blast.
Integrated Publishing, Inc. - A (SDVOSB) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business
