Accession Number:

AD0442076

Title:

THERMAL EFFECTS OF SIMULATED NUCLEAR FLASH ON AIRCREW MEMBERS,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

AEROSPACE MEDICAL RESEARCH LABS WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OHIO

Personal Author(s):

• Kaufman,W. C.
• Davis,H. T.
• Swan,A. G.

Report Date:

1944-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

6.0

Abstract:

Operationally clothed subjects seated in a salvaged aircraft cockpit were exposed to thermal energy pulses simulating those of nuclear explosions. Limits of thermal tolerance ranged from 2.6 to 3.4 calsq. cm, at forehead level, delivered in a 3 second pulse. These pulses produced painfully hot sensations at the forehead, and charred cardboard and seared flying gloves. There were no skin burns. In supplementary laboratory studies, skin on the back of the hands of subjects exposed to this sort of energy reached 110 F at the limit of tolerance. This temperature resulted from exposure to 3.4 calsq. cm delivered in an 11 second exposure. The temperatures described as painful here are lower than those generally considered necessary to produce true pain and the amount of energy producing them is 2 to 4 times greater than that previously reported or predicted. These data can be used by the physical scientist to calculate nearent safe distance for crew-member. Author

Descriptors:

• *THERMAL RADIATION
• *RADIATION EFFECTS
• NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
• FLIGHT CREWS
• SIMULATION
• HEAT TOLERANCE
• PERCEPTION
• THRESHOLDS(PHYSIOLOGY)
• SKIN(ANATOMY)
• CALORIMETERS
• INSTRUMENTATION
• PAIN
• PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE