A THEORY FOR CLOSE-IN FALLOUT FROM LAND-SURFACE NUCLEAR BURSTS

Abstract

Current fallout-computation methods do not account for the early-time dynamics of the fallout process. Therefore, the present theory was originated in the attempt to explain the mechanics of fallout more completely. This theory is checked by developing from it a mathematical fallout model for land-surface bursts (the D model) and then by using this model to predict fallout properties for nuclear tests. From a comparison of the predictions with observed test data, it is concluded that the new theory, despite certain idealizations, is useful for fallout computation.