Accession Number : AD0360874

Title :   STRUCTURAL RESPONSE AND GAS DYNAMICS OF AN AIRSHIP EXPOSED TO A NUCLEAR DETONATION

Descriptive Note : Final rept.

Corporate Author : BUREAU OF NAVAL WEAPONS WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s) : Gilstad, D. A. ; Weeber, Christian G. ; Kviljord, Arnold ; Woods, Gordon W.

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Report Date : 25 APR 1960

Pagination or Media Count : 80

Abstract : Four Model ZSG-3 airships, U. S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics Nos. 40, 46, 77, and 92, participated during Operation Plumbbob to determine the response characteristics of the Model ZSG-3 airship when subjected to a nuclear detonation in order to establish criteria for safe escape distances for airship delivery of antisubmarine warfare special weapons. Restrained response data for 0.40-psi overpressure input were obtained during Shot Franklin with the ZSG-3 No. 77 moored tail to the blast. Unrestrained response data for 0.75-psi overpressure input were obtained during Shot Stokes with the ZSG-3 No. 40 free ballooned, tail to the blast, 300 feet aboveground. The first airship exposed to overpressure experienced a structural failure of the nose cone when it was rammed into the mooring mast, together with a tear of the forward ballonet which necessitated deflation of the envelope. The second airship broke in half and crashed following a circumferential failure of the envelope originating at the bottom of the envelope, forward of the car.

Descriptors :   *AIRSHIPS, MEASUREMENT, DAMAGE, SHOCK WAVES, NEVADA, PRESSURE, ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE, THERMAL RADIATION, NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS, VULNERABILITY

Subject Categories : MILITARY OPERATIONS, STRATEGY AND TACTICS

Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

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