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Home Front: WoT
US to test 700-tonne explosive
2006-03-30
The US military plans to detonate a 700 tonne explosive charge in a test called "Divine Strake" that will send a mushroom cloud over Las Vegas, a senior defense official said. "I don't want to sound glib here but it is the first time in Nevada that you'll see a mushroom cloud over Las Vegas since we stopped testing nuclear weapons," said James Tegnelia, head of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
we're sending the video to Tehran
Tegnelia said the test was part of a US effort to develop weapons capable of destroying deeply buried bunkers housing nuclear, chemical or biological weapons. "We have several very large penetrators we're developing," he told defense reporters.
Big Dong?
"We also have -- are you ready for this - a 700-tonne explosively formed charge that we're going to be putting in a tunnel in Nevada," he said. "And that represents to us the largest single explosive that we could imagine doing conventionally to solve that problem," he said.

The aim is to measure the effect of the blast on hard granite structures, he said. "If you want to model these weapons, you want to know from a modeling point of view what is the ideal best condition you could ever set up in a conventional weapon -- what's the best you can do. And this gets at the best point you could get on a curve. So it allows us to predict how effective these kinds of weapons ... would be," he said.

He said the Russians have been notified of the test, which is scheduled for the first week of June at the Nevada test range. "We're also making sure that Las Vegas understands," Tegnelia said.
Posted by:Frank G

#30  Hmm... Google search turns up this one:


Airblast from Underground Explosions

**** Titan Research

Abstract:
Two- and three-dimensional computational fluid and solid dynamics calculations were performed to predict the airblast and dust environment for the DIVINE STRAKE high explosive field test. The DIVINE STRAKE test is planned to be a large-yield, buried burst detonated at the Nevada Test Site. The early-time airblast, crater formation, and ejecta environment were calculated using the two-dimensional CRALE code. This solution was then overlayed onto two- and three-dimensional MAZe code computational meshes. The MAZe calculations simulated the airblast environment as well as the propagation of the dusty environment produced by the ejecta and subsequent dust sweep-up. The airblast environment will be compared to test measurements when they become available, while the predicted dust environment will be used to aid in planning of the test.


and


Non Ideal Airblast Effects from Urban and Natural Terrain

xxx, yyy, ARA

Abstract:
Non-ideal airblast is produced from detonations over urban and natural terrain. Mechanical effects of a blast wave reflecting off non-ideal surfaces produces shielding and channeling effects that may be considerably different than those from a detonation over an ideal surface. Work in the area non-ideal airblast generated from urban and natural terrain is presented.



Divine Strake is a high-explosive (HE) test sponsored by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and is scheduled for the summer of 2006 at the Nevada Test Site (NTS). The test is a detonation of a 700 ton buried heavy AN/FO charge above a tunnel structure. The main purpose of the test is to study ground shock effects on deeply buried tunnel structures. Of secondary interest is the airblast produced by a buried charge and its modification as it propagates over the local terrain.



Sandia National Laboratory (SNL) recently sponsored a number of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) airblast calculations of the upcoming event. SNL contracted Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) to perform two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) predictive airblast calculations for the test. The CFD calculations were run with SHAMRC and characterize the airblast environments induced by the non-ideal charge configuration and the surrounding terrain. They include 2D calculations with and without terrain and with a responding and non-responding ground model. A single 3D calculation with a non-responding ground model was also completed. Results of the calculations provide test planners with environments that can be expected at instrumentation and test structure locationS. A single, 3D calculation with a realistic ground model is planned once the charge and detonation site details are finalized.



ARA has also completed several SHAMRC calculations investigating non-ideal airblast over urban and natural terrain under a contract with DTRA for the Near Surface Weapons Effects Tools – 3D (NSWET-3D), Airblast/Thermal task. One set of calculations modeled a nuclear detonation in New York City. The buildings were generated automatically from ArcView shapefiles, placed on a flat ground surface, and modeled as non-responding. One of these calculations was run under the Capability Applications Project (CAP) sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD) High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP). Another set of calculations modeled the Smoky nuclear event at NTS. The calculations included models of natural terrain, thermal heating of the terrain surface, and dust sweep-up from the surface.



Initial contract appeared to be bid at: $301,925.00

oops...
One document was redacted as a PDF but I could read it as google converted HTML in googles cache....
Security at Los ALamos needs to look into that weakness. Discrete G. and co-projects were also mentioned along with names of people and orgs.
I will send the google link to our mod


Posted by: 3dc   2006-03-30 23:36  

#29  I've been lurking at Rantburg for a couple of years, posting since Nov '05. I work at a large military facility - Senior Security. KOS? LOL - Doggie is the bitch princess.

We don't need to use nukes to stop the Mullahs. Sure, we might have to put 2 or 3 in the same spot to achieve the desired results, but so what? Simple to do with GPS. And regards the efficacy of our attack, I submit Doggie hasn't a first-hand clue.

First use of nukes? NO. When the political riot over RNEPs played out, President Bush dropped it - the support wasn't there. The repercussions for first use without congressional approval would certainly be impeachment - and he would be convicted.

Obviously some people have failed to pay sufficient attention for the last 60 years, or they're trolling idiots who know less than nothing about American policy. And if we were going to use nukes, we wouldn't be futzing about with 700 ton conventional weapons. Isn't that obvious?

Howling at the Moon is both a sick puppy and a troll with multiple agendas. I've seen the sick voyeurs come to Rantburg and use it for a dump for their ills for a long time. He / She is nothing new. These people should pay Fred by the hour.
Posted by: Grotle Gliting3445   2006-03-30 22:22  

#28  "In order to drop the big bomb on the Islamic garbage dump, Iran radar and command structure would have to be taken out. A huge armada would have to be sent to attempt neutralization of air and anti-aircraft defenses. Once done, the Iranians would use their mobile missiles against US and Israeli ground targets, and US naval vessels in the Persian Gulf. Some of these attacks would be successful."

Actually not really, if this is to simulate a tac nuke strike you can deliver it by Tomahawk. Now if we REALLY wanted to send a message it'd be by a dozen nuclear armed Tomahawks sporting 200 kt warheads.
Posted by: Valentine   2006-03-30 21:25  

#27  You use "we've" regards Pantex. Are you saying you work there?

Nuke bunker busters, RNEPs (Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator) were dropped from the defense budget in Oct 05, as dotcom posted months ago.
Posted by: Grotle Gliting3445   2006-03-30 21:10  

#26  The Daily Kos Troll could be this C U Next Tuesday:

Donailin

Email: Donailin@aol.com

43, divorced, mother of three amazing teens, activist, armchair theologian, rock and roller, and servant of fellow man living just outside the beltway


Posted by: Groveling Princess   2006-03-30 21:07  

#25  Are you advocating nuke first use, as well?
Posted by: Grotle Gliting3445   2006-03-30 21:03  

#24  We've been working 24/7 at Pantex developing the small nukes for a long while now. Must be getting close to being able to produce. Someone was correct. Checking the damage effects here. Then if we have to scale up the yield slightly, we will. We're hoping that the shock waves do the job underground, without too much leaking to the general populace. Delivery by missile. No defense to worry about. They won't see them coming. Flight time will be short. Russians won't be able to detect and tip them off.
Posted by: SOP35/Rat   2006-03-30 20:59  

#23  Lol. Nukes. Great.

You're a stealthy troll, usually very careful about all those hidden agenda points, but this time your hate is much clearer than usual.

If I disagree with you then I'm a KOS princess? Really?

You must be blowing yourself.
Posted by: Grotle Gliting3445   2006-03-30 20:41  

#22  GG3445:

Ad nauseum...Take your paint-by-numbers brain back to KOS, princess.
Posted by: Listen to Dogs   2006-03-30 20:35  

#21  Fascinating post.

You have a Rabies tag?
Posted by: Grotle Gliting3445   2006-03-30 20:22  

#20  In order to drop the big bomb on the Islamic garbage dump, Iran radar and command structure would have to be taken out. A huge armada would have to be sent to attempt neutralization of air and anti-aircraft defenses. Once done, the Iranians would use their mobile missiles against US and Israeli ground targets, and US naval vessels in the Persian Gulf. Some of these attacks would be successful.

Given the nature of the enemy, a single loss of American life would be undeserving. Ergo: I would set a proliferation example on the Middle East by using tactical nukes against Iranian targets, and then declare total zonal destruction of any area from which Iranian missile attacks were launched. The Iran terrorist entity imports 40% of its refined gasoline supplies, and these could be halted while existing facilities destroyed. Mere hints of Kurd and Azeri independence would cause Iran's leaders to sue for peace. The disgrace would cause the overthrow of the Ayatoilets, without considerable loss of civilian life.

I resent Jimmy Carter thinking - first use of nukes are against our values - that all but force lengthy, unworkable and costly, conventional war solutions.

Some of us wanted a post-9-11 declaration that those attacks constituted a WMD attack, and a disproportionate response with WMDs. Where would we be if that happened? US support in the Middle East would have risen. Instead, the same jihad-clerics who ordered 9-11 are now poised to take power throughout the Middle East.

Ahmadinejad's low regard for the US rests on America's tolerance of Hizbollah presence on Israel's borders. If you want our nukes to gather dust in face of WMD acquiring animals who incite, "Death to America" rants at every opportunity, be aware that US has used nukes on 2 occasions. Imperial Japan you know about, but be aware that during the nuke-monopoly period Russian occupation troops were ordered out of Iran (how ironic) under US nuclear-extortion. It is time for a 3rd use: vs genocidal Iran. Check your local library for a copy of the following book, by a liberal, on the monopoly period:
"The Winning Weapon: The Atomic Bomb in the Cold War, 1945-1950": Herken, Gregg.

We don't do that...yada, yada, yada...ad nauseum. We better.
Posted by: Listen to Dogs   2006-03-30 20:12  

#19  If Jimmy doesn't like it, then it's probably the best thing for us.
Posted by: Darrell   2006-03-30 20:02  

#18  Jimma Chauter is not going to like this one bit:

Excerpt:

"Our government has abandoned the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and spent more than $80 billion on a doubtful effort to intercept and destroy incoming intercontinental missiles, with annual costs of about $9 billion. We have also forgone compliance with the previously binding limitation on testing nuclear weapons and developing new ones, with announced plans for earth-penetrating "bunker busters," some secret new "small" bombs, and a move toward deployment of destructive weapons in space. Another long-standing policy has been publicly reversed by our threatening first use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states. These decisions have aroused negative responses from NPT signatories, including China, Russia and even our nuclear allies, whose competitive alternative is to upgrade their own capabilities without regard to arms control agreements." --A Dangerous Deal With India By Jimmy Carter
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Posted by: Happy 88mm   2006-03-30 19:15  

#17  Pentagon Plans Explosion at Nevada Site

By WILL DUNHAM, REUTERS


The Pentagon plans to detonate 700 tons of conventional high explosives in Nevada in a June 2 test designed to gauge the effectiveness of weapons against deeply buried targets, officials said on March 30.
"I donÂ’t want to sound glib here, but itÂ’s the first time in Nevada that youÂ’ll see a mushroom cloud over Las Vegas since we stopped testing nuclear weapons," James Tegnelia, director of the PentagonÂ’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency, told a small group of reporters.
The test, dubbed "Divine Strake," is sponsored by TegneliaÂ’s agency and is set to be conducted at the Energy DepartmentÂ’s Nevada Test Site in Nye County, about 65 miles (105 km) northwest of Las Vegas.
"All explosives, given the right thermal characteristics, will create a cloud that may resemble a mushroom cloud," the Defense Threat Reduction Agency said in a statement. "The dust cloud from Divine Strake may reach an altitude of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and is not expected to be visible off the Nevada Test Site."
Nuclear tests at the site sent mushroom clouds billowing high into the air and became tourist attractions in the 1950s, but surface tests ended in the early 1960s.
Pentagon leaders have expressed concern about potential U.S. adversaries building deeply buried bunkers containing chemical, biological or nuclear weapons stockpiles or command-and-control structures that are difficult to destroy with existing weapons.
The agency said the test will involve detonating 700 tons of the Ammonium Nitrate-Fuel Oil, or ANFO, a commonly used agent in commercial blasting operations.
Officials said the testÂ’s primary purpose is to examine ground shock effects on deeply buried tunnel structures, and the explosion will take place above an existing structure.
Tegnelia said because of the power of the explosion, officials will notify Russia and make sure authorities in Las Vegas understand the test.
He noted the Pentagon is currently developing several very large weapons intended to penetrate the ground to get at deeply buried and hardened targets.
Tegnelia said the "Divine Strake" test represents the largest conventional explosion Pentagon officials could imagine triggering to address the issue.
A strake is part of a shipÂ’s hull.
Posted by: john   2006-03-30 17:53  

#16  tonne is just too too, I avoid.
Posted by: 6   2006-03-30 17:49  

#15  btw tonne is more fune
Posted by: RD   2006-03-30 16:48  

#14  It's to test the blast effect of a tactical nuke on bored granite under 60 6 feet of sand. »:-)
Posted by: RD   2006-03-30 16:46  

#13  
can we call it the Margaret Cho??
Posted by: macofromoc   2006-03-30 16:29  

#12  For sake of comparison: MOAB = 21,000 lbs.
Posted by: Captain America   2006-03-30 15:56  

#11  Further on this: .....DTRA Halliburton and CAT Tractor initiative. Modeled after the Big-Boy of WWII fame, the 700 tonne device dubbed the BF-DRP (Big F - Deep Rock Penetrator) can be incrementally delivered by SOF personnel to an undisclosed secure area few kilometers of the target site, assembled and pulled to the target area via a remote controlled lightweight palmer, muffled D9 CAT. A maritime version dubbed BF WAVE WNOS (Big F Wave - Which No One Survives) is under development as well. Little F variants are not being developed at this time.
Posted by: Janes   2006-03-30 15:18  

#10  LOTR and RD---My thoughts exactly. 700 tons (1.4 million pounds) is a sizeable load to carry on an aircraft. A 747 carries, say 150 tons, and a C-5A a similar load. Since we cannot test nuclear weapons physically, even underground, by treaty, a 700 ton blast would be about right to test bunker busters of the fission type. You do not need big nukes if you can get them close enough to the target to maximize the shock wave.
Posted by: Alaska Paul   2006-03-30 14:37  

#9  It's to test the blast effect of a tactical nuke on bored granite under 60 feet of sand.
Posted by: 6   2006-03-30 14:08  

#8  This could be a test for measuring what a very small nuclear weapon with a 700 ton yield would do. that would be deliverable.

[wild speculation on my part] along those lines.. a simulation of the destructive power of a 2 ton "Rod From God" at mach ???.
Posted by: RD   2006-03-30 13:27  

#7  This could be a test for measuring what a very small nuclear weapon with a 700 ton yield would do. that would be deliverable.
Posted by: Laurence of the Rats   2006-03-30 13:04  

#6  That's the size of a whole fleet of semi-trailers - what kind of wings do you put on this thing if you want to deliver it air freight?
Big as it is, it is still just a few percent of the bang of the only nuclear weapons used in war (so far).
Posted by: Glenmore   2006-03-30 12:55  

#5  It's not exactly what you would call man portable is it. In some ways it reminds me of the gargantuan artillery pieces the Germans were in love with. Massive destructive potential but extremely limited utility.
Posted by: Cheaderhead   2006-03-30 12:50  

#4  Iran has no f*cking clue what is coming to them if they keep on their same nuclear path.... no f*cking clue. W. should just send the words: SHOCK AND AWE to the government of Iran as a warning.
Posted by: bgrebel9   2006-03-30 12:43  

#3  RDS must be RD Shape Charge
Posted by: RD   2006-03-30 12:10  

#2  US to test 700-tonne shape charge

Why do I love this? It's love at first sight!

I *heart* Booms! I wanta to Gooooooo!!
Posted by: RDS   2006-03-30 12:09  

#1  damn. The picture format overlaps the text. Help, mods?
Posted by: Frank G   2006-03-30 12:05  

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