Nuclear weapons: shock wave and other damaging factors

To date, nuclear weapons are one of the most impressive types of weapons of mass destruction (weapons of mass destruction). The principle of its operation is based on chain reactions that occur during the fission of the nuclei of certain isotopes or thermonuclear synthesis of light chemical elements into heavier ones.

Simply put, the effect of nuclear charges occurs either in fission or in the fusion of element nuclei. In the first case, these are often mentioned metals, such as uranium and plutonium. Synthesis implies the use of hydrogen isotopes: tritium and deuterium.

In addition, nuclear weapons are understood not only for ammunition itself, but for their combination with means of control and delivery of these to the scene of action.

Types of nuclear weapons

Ammunition for this type of weapon is very diverse. They can be produced both in the form of missile warheads and bombs, and in the form of mines, shells for artillery, torpedoes. In total, there are three main categories for which it is customary to distribute ammunition: neutron, thermonuclear and nuclear. Each type has its own characteristics and distinctive features.

Thus, neutron-type charges have the smallest power among the above. They are designed to defeat personnel. Nevertheless, even the explosion of such a projectile in its destructive power exceeds any non-nuclear types of weapons by several hundred times. Neutron projectiles are used in two-phase devices, where the bulk of the energy is released through the synthesis of nuclei. For this reason, they are more appropriately attributed to a thermonuclear type.

The effect of thermonuclear charges is based, as the name suggests, on fusion reactions occurring between chemical elements. They are used in two-phase devices, where simultaneously, but in different proportions, there are two physical processes: fission and fusion of nuclei. The well-known term "hydrogen bomb" is another name for a variety of thermonuclear weapons.

Ammunition, which is called the atomic weapon of mass destruction, is used in single-phase devices. They use chain reactions that occur when fission of heavy isotopes of plutonium and uranium. In this case, lighter chemical elements are formed. The last two types of charges are considered the most destructive.

Shock Wave of Nuclear Explosion

There are many damaging factors in nuclear weapons. These include light radiation (about 1000 watts per square centimeter vs. 0.14 W, emitted by the sun), which causes a sharp temperature rise and, as a result, numerous burns (from slight reddening to complete charring), eye damage, . Next comes the penetrating radiation and radioactive contamination of the surrounding areas.

The explosion also has an indirect epidemiological effect, and also causes a strong electromagnetic pulse. The latter, though not dangerous to living beings, disrupts the operation of all technical devices in the affected area. But the shock wave is responsible for the greatest share of destruction from a nuclear explosion. It is initially a small area where, as a result of the expansion of the volume of the hot gas, there is a sharp contraction of air.

This reaction is due to two factors: the temperature of one million degrees during the explosion and the same exceptionally high pressure. Further, this wave swiftly spreads from the epicenter in all directions, causing destruction to everything that will be on its way. Gradually, as you move away from the source, the shock wave becomes weaker and turns from supersonic to sound.

Degree of damage and destruction

For structures, the weakest consequences will be demolished roofs, broken doors, partitions and glass. Also here are the cracks that arise in the walls of buildings on the upper floors. But the closer to the epicenter, the higher the intensity of the wave and the more terrible consequences: it completely destroys not only the upper parts of structures, but even bearing structures. In the best case (and with a successful arrangement), only the basements of the buildings are partially preserved.

No less destructive is the shock wave of a nuclear explosion and for humans. The fragments of destroyed buildings, glass fragments, stones and others flying at great speed, objects are an indirect source of physical damage to all living creatures that have been caught in the vicinity. The immediate damaging factors include a strong air pressure (even at a distance of 10 km from the explosion, the speed reaches more than 100 km per hour) and an area of excessively high pressure.