Propagation of Acoustic-Gravity Waves from a Small Source above the Ground in an Isothermal Atmosphere

A. D. Pierce

ResearchPublished 1963

A theoretical discussion of the influence of gravity on sound propagation from a small source in an isothermal atmosphere where ambient pressure and density decrease exponentially with height. Expressions are derived for the acoustic field in regions relatively close to the source, and the effects of the ground on this field are studied. The findings are applicable to the detection of high-altitude nuclear bursts. A previous report, RM-3478, discussed the effect of the atmosphere's nonuniform temperature on the sound waves.

Document Details

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Pierce, A. D., Propagation of Acoustic-Gravity Waves from a Small Source above the Ground in an Isothermal Atmosphere. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1963. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM3596.html.
BibTeX RIS

This publication is part of the RAND research memorandum series. The research memorandum series, a product of RAND from 1948 to 1973, included working papers meant to report current results of RAND research to appropriate audiences.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.