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General Discussion & Feedback => Just Chat! => Topic started by: Hoho on 13/01/2023 09:41:44

Title: How far windows would break from a 1 megaton nuclear blast ?
Post by: Hoho on 13/01/2023 09:41:44

How many miles away from a 1 megaton nuclear explosion should a house be in order for its windows to withstand the air shockwave ?
According to nukemap, the light damage zone (1 psi) would reach 19.8 km (11.8 miles) from ground zero.
It is generally said that windows can break at pressure of 0.5 psi, which would significally increase that distance.

By the way, it has been reported that during the Beirut explosion (non nuclear, 0.3 to 1.5 kiloton), some windows were damaged up to 10 km (6.2 miles). But on nukemap, the light damage zone (1 psi) of a 1.5 kiloton is only 2.26 km (1.24 miles).

Does anyone have reliable information on the subject ? For example, any detailed report about the W59 Minuteman (800 kiloton) test ?

Have a great day everyone !

Title: Re: How far windows would break from a 1 megaton nuclear blast ?
Post by: alancalverd on 13/01/2023 15:03:48

About 10 - 15 miles depending on the height of the detonation.

Blast range increases with the cube root of the detonation energy.