"When 'The Effects of Atomic Weapons' was published in 1950, the explosive energy yields of the fission bombs available at that time were equivalent to some thousands of tons (i.e., kilotons) of TNT. With the development of thermonuclear (fusion) weapons, having energy yields in the range of millions of tons (i.e., megatons) of TNT, a new presentation, entitled 'The Effects of Nuclear Weapons, ' was issued in 1957. A completely revised edition was published in 1962 and this was reprinted with a few changes early in 1964. Since the last version of 'The Effects of Nuclear Weapons' was prepared, much new information has become available concerning nuclear weapons effects. This has come in part from the series of atmospheric tests, including several at very high altitudes, conducted in the Pacific Ocean area in 1962. In addition, laboratory studies, theoretical calculations, and computer simulations have provided a better understanding of the various effects. Within the limits imposed by security requirements, the new information has been incorporated in the present edition. In particular, attention may be called to a new chapter on the electromagnetic pulse. The material is arranged in a manner that should permit the general reader to obtain a good understanding of the various topics without having to cope with the more technical details. Most chapters are thus in two parts: the first part is written at a fairly low technical level whereas the second treats some of the more technical and mathematical aspects. The presentation allows the reader to omit any or all of the latter sections without loss of continuity."--Preface.

Previous ed. entered under U.S. Defense Atomic Support Agency. Nuclear bomb effect computer (plastic disc) in pocket.

General principles of nuclear explosions -- Descriptions of nuclear explosions -- Air blast phenomena in air and surface bursts -- Air blast loading -- Structural damage from air blast -- Shock effects of surface and subsurface bursts -- Thermal radiation and its effects -- Initial nuclear radiation -- Residual nuclear radiation and fallout -- Radio and radar effects -- The electromagnetic pulse and its effects -- Biological effects -- Glossary -- Guide to SI units -- Index.