On the Effect of Explosion Waves on Hailstone Models

Abstract

Hollow spheres filled with ethylenedichloride and snowballs of low mechanical cohesion drenched in water were exposed to blast waves. They did not show any effect that could be attributed to the explosion of 1 kg TNT at distances of 5 m and more from the explosive charge. The same conclusion was indicated by similar experiments in which artificial hailstones consisting of ice-water mixtures, grown in a hail tunnel, were used as test objects. Therefore no justification is given for attempting to combat hail by any mechanical softening of the hail-stones-in the immediate proximity of exploding rockets.