July 1968 | Technical Memorandum ERL TM ITS 149
Acoustic signatures from a 100, OOO-pound TNT explosion recorded at distant locations
Cite This Publication
Donald R. Macken, T. Layne Livingston, and C. L. Harbison, “Acoustic signatures from a 100, OOO-pound TNT explosion recorded at distant locations,” Technical Memorandum ERL TM ITS 149, U.S. Department of Commerce, Environmental Science Services Administration, Institute for Telecommunication Sciences and Aeronomy, July 1968.
Donald R. Macken, T. Layne Livingston, and C. L. Harbison
Abstract: Two charges of TNT, each 100,000 Ib in size and hemispherical in shape, were detonated at ground level on the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. One function of the experiment was to measure the propagation and spectral characteristics of the acoustic energy generated by the blasts. This report is a description of the power spectral characteristics of the acoustic energy as recorded at ranges of 250 mi and 500 mi. Under proper meteorological conditions, acoustic signals radiated from large -scale nonnuclear blasts can be detected at distances of 500 mi. The signals received at long distances persist for many seconds, and the results of multipath propagation are evident in signal time delays.
Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.
For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.