Absolutely Amazing Footage of Nuclear Tests on Various Structures

**mindwanderer** · 09-17-2010 05:32 PM

So, I just stumbled across this awesome video (granted with terrible music) which shows the effects of a Nuclear Explosion on Buildings, Vehicles, Planes etc. It's raised a few questions for me though.

There's seems to be stages to the blast. I find that the first thing to effect a structure is the immense heat... which is seen vaporizing the surfaces of structures only seconds before the second stage (the shock wave) hits. The shockwave then hits absolutely mangling anything in it's way. But then, only seconds later, there seems to be a "backdraft" or an event where dust and debris is pulled back towards the blast center.

Can anyone explain why these stages happen like this? We can assume that the heat (radiation) first hits the structure (seeing as it essentially travels at the speed of light) and then shortly afterward... travelling much slower... the concussive force hits. But then why the force travelling back towards the blast center?

I dunno... I'm just a curious guy I guess. Anyways, here's the video. Enjoy. And if you have some understanding on the last stage (the 'backdraft') please to explain. Thanks.

LiveLeak.com - Nuclear Effects,Before during and after the blast,(Colour)

**Spartiate** · 09-17-2010 06:43 PM

Hey the music isn't that bad

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The bomb pushes all the air outwards (as the shock wave) leaving a vacuum in the middle. When the shock wave passes, the air violently rushes back to the centre of the explosion to "fill the void" and equalize atmospheric pressure.

**mindwanderer** · 09-17-2010 10:01 PM

That makes sense! Thanks!

**Invader** · 09-18-2010 09:54 AM

Nice, haven't seen these. I had a dream I was carrying a miniature nuclear warhead inside a 4 foot missile body, too. Go figure.
You might like the following also. It came out a while back and I'm sure plenty have already come across it.

Spoiler for nuclear simulation: