Nuclear Explosion: What are the Lines Behind the Mushroom Cloud?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the independent smoke trails observed in nuclear explosion photographs, which provide insights into the behavior of blast waves. These trails are analyzed to understand the refraction errors caused by viewing them through the shock circle before being affected by the shock wave or wind. The phenomenon of "hooks" in rocket trails at the shock front is also highlighted, attributed to changes in the index of refraction of air. The analysis of these smoke trails is crucial for understanding the dynamics of nuclear blasts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear explosion dynamics
  • Familiarity with optical phenomena, specifically index of refraction
  • Knowledge of shock wave behavior in atmospheric physics
  • Experience with photographic analysis techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of shock waves and their interaction with smoke
  • Study the concept of index of refraction in different media
  • Explore photographic techniques for capturing high-speed events
  • Investigate the implications of blast wave analysis on nuclear safety
USEFUL FOR

Researchers in nuclear physics, atmospheric scientists, and professionals involved in safety analysis of nuclear explosions will benefit from this discussion.

rwh
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On some pictures of nuclear explosions there are lines that usually run straight up from the ground. One of the coolest pictures I've seen had these trails originating from each side of the explosion and crossing each other behind the mushroom cloud. So what are these things? How long do they last? And does the blast wave from the explosion dissipate them?
 
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They are independent smoke trails. Analysing how they dissipate gives information on the blast waves.
 
Smoke trails for analyzing atomic-blast index of refraction - a subtle distinction

Gonzolo said:
They are independent smoke trails. Analysing how they dissipate gives information on the blast waves.
This is not quite correct. The photographs that are analyzed are taken before either the shock wave or wind reaches the smoke columns. What is analyzed is the refraction error created by viewing the yet-unaffected smoke columns through the shock circle:
http://www.vce.com/atomictrails.html

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The progress of the shockwave was then followed by observing the "hooks" in the rocket trails at the shock front. These hooks are due to the change in the index of refraction of the air at the shock front.
--
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Gonzolo said:
They are independent smoke trails. Analysing how they dissipate gives information on the blast waves.

My post should have the word "dissipate" replaced by "look". Never knew about the so-called hooks. Thanks for the link.
 

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