+ All Categories
Home > Documents > SIMULATION OF TORNADO-GENERATED MISSILES

SIMULATION OF TORNADO-GENERATED MISSILES

Date post: 18-Dec-2021
Category:
Upload: others
View: 2 times
Download: 0 times
Share this document with a friend
83
SIMULATION OF TORNADO-GENERATED MISSILES by DIA AREF MALAEB, B.S. IN C.E. A THESIS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Texas Tech University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING Approved Accepted ,) December, 198()'
Transcript

SIMULATION OF TORNADO-GENERATED MISSILES

by

DIA AREF MALAEB, B.S. IN C.E.

A THESIS

IN

CIVIL ENGINEERING

Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Texas Tech University in

Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for

the Degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE

IN

CIVIL ENGINEERING

Approved

Accepted

,) December, 198()'

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

r. -·:' ._..,·!'I . ....-<-The author wishes to express his deep appreciation to Dr. James

R. McDonald for his patience, guidance and valuable assistance through­

out this research effort. The support provided for the conduct of

this research by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, by the Department

of Civil Engineering at Texas Tech University, and by the Institute

for Disaster Research at Texas Tech University is also acknowledged.

Drs. :<i shor C. Mehta and Joseph E. Minor are gratefully acknowledged

for their helpful criticisms and recommendations.

i i

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Objectives

B. Research Plan

II. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESEARCH

A. Previous Tornado Missile Trajectory Models

1. Wind Field Model

2. Aerodynamic Flight Parameter

3. Initial Conditions

4. Number of Degrees of Freedom

B. Basis for Rational Approach

1. Wind Field Model

2. Aerodynamic rlight Parameter

3. Initial Conditions

4. Number of Degrees of Freedom

C. Summary of Desired Trajectory Model Features

III. MISSILE TRAJECTORY MODEL

A. Wind Field r~odel

B. Missile Characteristics

C. Initial Conditions

D. Equations of Motion

i i i

Paoe ___..........,_

ii

v

vi

1

3

3

5

6

7

9

11

12

12

1 3

14

15

17

17

19

19

24

27

28

E . N wne r i c a l Sol u t ion

F. Computer Code

IV. COMPARISON OF SIMULATION STUDY WITH OBSERVED MISSILE BEHAVIOR

A. Approach

B. Bossier City Tornado

l. Damage Observations at Meadowview Elementary School

2. Fujita•s Analysis of Tornado Wind field

C. Factors Affecting Trajectory Path

D. Case Studies

1. Controlling Parameters

2. Trajectories Based on Fujita•s Analysis of Wind Fi~ld

E. Conclusions Based on Simulation Studies

V. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

A. Summary

B. Conclusions

LIST OF REFERENCES

iv

31

32

37

37

37

38

49

49

59

39

66

68

73

73

74

75

Table

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

LIST OF TABLES

Assumptions of Deterministic Missile Studies

Flow Chart of Computer Code

Summary of Missile Data

Fujita's Interpretation of Tornado Wind Field Data

Variation of Missile Velocities With Flight Parameter

Possible Values of Flight Parameter

Parameters Used for the Case Studies

Comparison of Observed and Calculated Impact Locations

Comparison of Observed and Calculated Impact Angles

v

Page

8

36

51

52

60

65

67

69

72

Figure

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

LIST OF FIGURES

Schematic Diagram of Single Vortex Tornado Model - DBT-77

Definition of Crossing Angle

Variation of Drag Coefficient with Orientation of Missile

Definition of Angles s and e

Tornado Damage in Vicinity of Meadowview Elementary School (Fujita, 1979)

Tornado Damage at Meadowview Elementary School

Typical Exterior Wall at Elementary School

Typical Beam-to-Column Connections at Roof

Roof Cross Section at Exterior Wall

Beam C Penetrated Eight Feet Irito Ground

Beam D With Pipe Column Still Attached

Beam D at Point of Impact After Passing Through Corner of House

Beam E With the Pipe Column Still Attached

Beam F Struck Roof of House Located 1000 Ft From School Building

Isovels of Tornadic Wind Speed as Interpreted By Fujita

Effect of Release Velocity on Missile Trajectory When Missile is Located to Left of Path

Effect of Release Velocity on ~issile Trajectory When Missile is Located to Right of Path

vi

21

23

26

29

39

40

42

43

44

46

46

47

48

48

50

54

56

LIST OF FIGURES (Cont'd.)

Figure

18 Missile Position Relative to Tornado Position When Missile is Released on Back Side of Tornado Core 57

19 Missile Position Relative to Tornado Position When Missile is Released on Front Side of Tornado Core 58

20 Variation of Missile Velocities With Values of Flight Parameters 61

21 Uplift Forces Required to Cause Column Anchorage Failure 63

22 Calculated Missile Trajectories and Observed Impact Points 70

vii

I. INTRODUCTION

The destructive damage caused by tornadoes in the United States

and in other countries such as Australia and Japan is receiving more

attention from engineers and managers each year. Responsible author-

ities are realizing that dollars invested in tornado protection pay

handsome dividends in safety, productivity, and damage mitigation

should that facility be struck by a tornado.

Damage caused by tornadoes is produced by three basic types of

forces:

1) wind induced forces,

2) atmospheric pressure change induced forces, and

3) impactive forces from windborne debris.

The research reported herein deals with the nature and characteristics

of the items picked up and transported by tornadic winds, i.e. tornado-

generated missiles.

Federal law* requires that structures that house equipment vital

to the safe shutdown of a nuclear power reactor shall be designed to

withstand the effects of natural phenomena, including tornadoes. The

spirit of this law has been applied to other facilities that

house nuclear materials, which, if released to the atmosphere, could

cause injury to people and damage to the environment. Such structures

*Policy and Regulatory Practice Governing the Siting of Nuclear Power Reactors [10 CFR Part 50].

must be designed to withstand certain types of potential missiles,

which are consistent with an acceptable risk level.

2

Hospitals, fire stations and conventional power plants should be

able to function after a tornado event. They, too, may require design

considerations for protection from tornado-generated missiles. Shel­

ters for the protection of people in residences, schools and other

public buildings should also be designed to withstand impact from

tornado-generated missiles. Regardless of the degree of tornado pro­

tection, the designer of a facility is faced with the so-called 11 tor­

nado missile 11 problem. He needs to know the types of missiles that

are transported by tornadoes, their trajectory characteristics, and

the impactive effect on walls and the roof of his building. Thus, the

11 tornado mi ssil e 11 prob 1 em invo 1 ves the answer to four questions:

1) What types of missiles are transported by tornadoes?

2) How far do they travel?

3) How fast and how high do they go?

4) What type of barrier is needed to resist tornado-generated missile impact?

Tornado damage investigations give clues in answering the first

two questions. McDonald (1976) describes several types of missiles

that flew and some that did not. Generally, the types of missiles

transported by tornadoes range from very lightweight objects such as

roof gravel or sheet metal to very heavy objects such as pipes or

beams. The heaviest missile observed to date is a 40-ton railroad car

that was rolled and tumbled more than 200 yards in the Lillis, Kansas

3

tornado of 1978. (Incident is documented in tornado damage files of

the Institute for Disaster Research, Texas Tech University.) The dis-

tance traveled by a missile can be determined from field investigations,

provided its origin can be identified.

The answer to the third question is more difficult, since it is

almost impossible to obtain data on the missile trajectories themselves.

Photogrammetric analysis of movie films showing missile flights is one

possibility, but these films are rare. Indirect methods such as com-

puter simulation are the only alternatives available. Barrier analy-

sis and design involved with the fourth question are beyond the scope

of this project.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this research are to develop a rational

procedure for the simulation of tornado-generated missiles and to com­

pare the results of the simulation with post-storm observations of

missiles that were transported by the Bossier City (Louisiana) tornado

of December 3, 1978.

Research Plan

The following research plan was developed and carried out in order

to accomplish the objectives set forth in this project:

1 )

2)

3)

Literature research and establishment of the need for a rational approach to tornado-generated missile simulation,

Development of the simulation methodology, and

Comparison of results from simulation with observed impact locations of Bossier City missiles.

4

Numerous attempts can be found in the literature to simulate or,

by some means, calculate tornado-generated missile trajectories.

Diverse results have been obtained because each researcher used a dif­

ferent set of assumptions or conditions. Review of previous work is

presented with the objective of sorting out the different parameters

affecting trajectory characteristics. Once the various published

attempts at missile trajectory calculations are reviewed, the need for

a rational approach is obvious.

The simulation methodology involves selection of an appropriate

tornado wind field model, identification of significant missile char­

acteristics, establishment of appropriate initial conditions, and

development of an appropriate computer code to perform the dynamic

trajectory calculations. •

A somewhat circumstantial approach to verification of the trajec­

tory methodology is used. An attempt is made to simulate the trajec­

tories of six steel wide flange beams that were transported by the

Bossier City tornado. Certain parameters relating to the tornado wind

field and missile characteristics are varied within a plausible range

to obtain trajectories that match the initial location and impact

position of the missiles.

II. REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RESEARCH

There have been numerous attempts to simulate tornado missile

trajectories. Almost all such efforts have been related to satisfying

licensing requirements for nuclear power plants. Other applications

of missile technology have been spinoffs from the nuclear power indus-

try.

To date, three basic approaches have used to gain an understand­

ing of missile behavior:

1) a purely probabilistic, rather than deterministic, assessment of the missile problem;

2} Monte Carlo simulation of missile transport at a site specific location; and

3) establishment of a list of generic missiles by deterministic methods.

The first approach attempts to quantify the various probabilities

associated with an event that involves the occurrence of a tornado,

the presence of potential missiles in the tornado path, the accelera-

tion of the nissile to a velocity sufficient to cause damage, and the

impact of this missile at a critical point on the buiiding. To date,

no one has been able to quantify all of these probabilities to the

satisfaction of licensing authorities, although Meyer and Morrow (1975)

did try. Consideration of this approach is beyond the scope of this

research.

The second approach has not been used as a practical procedure

for design, but has been used as a research tool to study the missile

5

6

from a probabilistic point of view. Johnson and Abbott (1976) per­

formed the equivalent of 10 million years of missile simulation by

passing randomly selected tornadoes over an idealization of the power

reactor site. All potential missiles were catalogued from an on-site

inspection. The computer code then calculated missile trajectories

as randomly selected tornadoes were passed over the site and recorded

strikes on the safety-related facilities. The probabilities of missile

strikes were then calculated. The amount of effort and computer time

required to generate the data is not practical for general design pur-

poses.

The third approach has been used by the NRC as a part of the

licensing procedure for nuclear power plants (Ref. NRC, 1975).

A list of generic missiles was somewhat arbitrarily selected by the

NRC licensing staff. Most previous work with tornado-generated mis­

siles has been with the objective to prove or disprove the correct­

ness of the NRC generic missile list. The list has been revised from

time to time, but still lacks justification based on a definitive

study of tornado missiles.

Previous Tornado Missile Trajectory Models

The methodology, including assumptions and calculation procedures,

is referred to herein as a missile trajectory model. Given certain

information about the tornado wind field and the missile characteris­

tics, the model (usually in the form of a computer code) gives infor­

mation about missile acceleration, velocity, and displacement as a

7

function of time. This type of model provides deterministic, rather

than probabilistic, information about the missile. Table 1 lists the

deterministic missile studies that have been conducted since the first

one was performed by Bates and Swanson in 1967.

The basic differences in the various models involve assumptions

regarding

1) \Jind field model,

2) flight parameter,

3) initial conditions, and

4) degrees of freedom of dynamic model.

The assumptions relating to the above four factors by each different

methodology are also given in Table 1.

Wind Field Model

Bates and Swanson (1967) used the analysis of Hoecker (1960) to

develop a wind field model of a tornado. The maximum wind speed of

the Dallas tornado was scaled to a value of 360 mph. Other methodol­

ogies used slightly modified forms of the Bates and Swanson wind field

model (Paddleford, 1969; Lee, 1973; James, et al. 1974; Iotti, 1975).

The original Bates and Swanson model did not encompass all of space

around the tornado core. Later models identified wind flow in all of

space and established bounds on maximum tornadic windspeeds.

Bhattaharyya (1975) used a wind field model proposed by Kuo (1971).

While Kuo's model has a more rigorous fluid dynamic basis than the model

developed by Hoecker (1960), it is not convenient to use from an

TABL

E 1

ASSU

MPT

IONS

OF DETERMINI~TIC

MIS

SILE

STU

DIES

Win

d F

ield

Mod

el

Fli

ght

Para

met

er

Init

ial

De9

rees

0-

f R

efer

ence

Y

ear

Bas

ed O

n B

ased

On

Con

diti

ons

Free

dom

Date~ an

d Sw

anso

n 19

67

Hoe

cker

' s ~

lode

1

Eff

ecti

ve A

rea

Thr

ee

Inje

ctio

n 3

(Tum

blin

g)

Mod

es

Pad

dlef

ord

1969

H

oeck

er's

Mod

el E

ffec

tive

Are

a In

itia

l E

leva

tion

3

(Tum

blin

g)

Lee

1973

H

oeck

er's

Mod

el E

ffec

tive

Are

a Im

puls

ive

Inje

ctio

n 3

(Tum

blin

g)

Jam

es,

et a

l.

1974

H

oeck

er's

Mod

el E

ffec

tive

Are

a T

hree

In

ject

ion

3 (T

umbl

ing)

Oha

ttach

aryy

a 19

75

Kuo

' s M

odel

Max

i mum

Are

a (N

on-T

umbl

ing)

In

itia

l E

leva

tion

3

Iott

i 19

75

Hoe

cker

's M

odel

Eff

ecti

ve A

rea

Exp

losi

ve

Inje

ctio

n 3

(Tum

blin

g)

Bee

th a

nd

Hob

bs

1975

C

ombi

ned

Ran

kine

E

ffec

tive

Val

ue

Init

ial

Ele

vati

on

3 V

orte

x (T

urub

ling)

Mey

er a

nd

Mor

row

19

7S

Com

bine

d R

anki

ne

Eff

ecti

ve V

alue

In

itia

l E

leva

tion

3

Vor

tex

(Tum

blin

g)

Sirn

iu a

nd

Cor

des

1976

C~nbined

Ran

kine

E

ffec

tive

Val

ue

Init

ial

Ele

vati

on

3 V

ol'te

x (T

ulftb

ling

)

Red

man

n,

et a

l,

1976

EP

RI

Mod

el A

vera

ge

Val

ue

Var

ious

In

itia

l 3

(Tum

blin

g)

Ele

vati

ons

& P

osit

ions

Red

man

n,

et a

1.

197B

EP

RI

Nad

el

Act

ual

Val

ue

Var

ious

In

itia

l 6

Ele

vati

ons

& P

osit

ions

00

engineering standpoint. Other methodologies use a combined Rankine

vortex assumption for the variation of tangential wind speed (Beeth

and Hobbs, 1975; Meyer and Morrow, 1975; Simiu and Cordes, 1976).

Simple relationships for radial and vertical wind speed components

were assumed which do not satisfy continuity of flow.

Redmann, et al. (1976) developed a wind field model that was

based on data, experiments and photographs of tornadoes. The major

restriction on the model, which is consistent with equation of fluid

9

dynamics and continuity, is an arbitrary limitation of 225 mph on the

tangential wind speed.

Aerodynamic Flight Parameter

The drag force F that acts on the missile due to the resultant

wind vector is given by

where

( l )

p is the mass density of air

c0

is a drag coefficient that is a function of the missile shape, surface roughness and Reynolds number (in some cases)

V is the net resultant wind velocity vector

A is the area (or equivalent area) of the missile exposed to the wind vector

The missile acceleration due to the force of the wind is

F -a = m

where

m is the mass of the missile

y is pg, the unit weight of air

W is the missile weight

10

Thus, one measure of the missile acceleration is the so-called missile

flight parameter c0A;W.

If a body (missile) is streamlined and if no flow separation

occurs, it may behave like an airfoil, i.e. there is a lifting force

associated with horizontal flow. Most typical tornado missile shapes,

however, do not behave as an airfoil and thus are lifted only by the

vertical component of the wind field. None of the methodologies des­

cribed in Table 1 consider the effect of a lift force.

An issue associated with the flight parameter that has sparked

considerable debate is the question of whether a missile rolls and

tumbles during flight along its trajectory, or whether it assumes some

invariant position relative to the resultant wind vector. The tumbling

or nontumbling issue affects the value of c0A used in the flight param­

eter. Both the drag coefficient and the area could be different for

all objects, except spheres. In general, the methodologies have util­

ized expressions for an equivalent area, which is supposed to account

for the effect of tumbling. All methods except Lee (1973) and

Bhattacharyya (1975) assume the tumbling mode. Each method uses a

different expression for equivalent area.

The missile weight does not appear to be a problem, if one is

considering the trajectory of a bare element such as a pipe, a beam,

11

or a pole. However, missiles generated by a real tornado are rarely

11 Clean, 11 but have other elements or pieces of deoris attached to them

for all or part of the missile flight. This situation affects values

c0, A, and W in an unmeasurable way. Thus, a more realistic and

manageable approach to trajectory calculation may be to consider

ranges of values of the flight parameter and not worry about individ­

ual values of c0, A or W.

Initial Conditions

Bates and Swanson (_1967), in their original \'/Ork, discussed three

modes of tornado missile injection into the wind field: ramp, explos5va,

and aerodynamic lift. Ramp injection, according to their perception,

is possible when a missile first rolls or tumbles up an incline and

then becomes airborne. This injection mode is site dependent. The

explosive mode is associated with the effect of a rapid atmospheric

pressure change in a tornado. Recent research (Minor and Mehta, 1979)

discounts an explosive mode of failure due to atmospheric pressure

change for most ordinary buildings. Lee (1973) proposed an initial

impulse force that acted on the missile for a short period of time.

Associated with a coefficient of lift, the missile becomes airborne in

Lee's scheme if the lift force is sufficient to overcome the gravita­

tional force of the object.

Most other approaches have simply placed the missile at some

arbitrary location relative to the tornado path and at some arbitrary

elevation above ground level. The tornadic winds are then allowed to

suddenly take effect. Parametric studies are performed to find the

12

location that produces the worst case relative to velocity achieved

and distance traveled by the missile. The missiles are released at

different elevations above ground, up to 200 ft. This approach is

taken because potential missiles could be located atop tall structures

during construction at a power plant site, and partly to give the

tornadic winds sufficient time to act on the missile before it impacts

with the ground.

Number of Degrees of Freedom

All methodologies except the one by Redmann, et al. (1978) consider

the missile as a point mass and treat the dynamic problem as one with

three degrees of freedom rather than six, which is the most general

case.

The diverse approaches to tornado missile trajectory calculations

and the diverse results obtained from these approaches suggest the need

to establish a rational approach based on the best and most logical

features of previous methodologies as well as new innovations.

Basis for Rational Approach

From review of previous work on missile trajectory calculations,

the following conclusions are reached regarding the various assumptions

required for a rational method of analysis:

1 )

2)

None of the wind field models used previously are sufficiently rigorous, have reasonable bounds, and yet are simple enough for engineering applications.

Possible variations of the elements of the aerodynamics flight parameters (c0, A and W) make it difficult to precisely define each one individually.

13

3) Missile injection into the wind field is not realistic and does not account for the anchorage forces resisting missile movement.

4) In light of our present knowledge of drag and lift coeffi­cients for various types of missiles and the attachments they may have during flight, the three-degree-of-freedom dynamic model appears to be adequate for trajectory calcula­tions.

5) None of the previously proposed methodologies have been used in an attempt to match missile behavior observed in an actual tornado.

The tornado missile trajectory model presented in this report

attempts to satisfy the requirements for a rational approach that is

consistent with technology as we presently know it.

Wind Field Model

Redmann, et al. (1976) provides an excellent critique of the

interpretation of Hoecker's analysis of the Dallas tornado. Attempts

to generalize the Dallas model for other tornadoes entails extrapolating

scaling relationships which have little or no physical basis. There is

no attempt to tie the results to basic fluid mechanic equations of

motion and continuity. Use of a combined Rankine vortex in lieu of the

Hoecker analysis for tangential wind variation is a justifiable simpli­

fication. However, the models that use the combined Rankine vortex

have other deficiencies similar to those that use Hoecker's analysis.

The Kuo model is rigorous from a fluid dynamic point of view.

However, physical parameters required in the solution of the equations

are not easily defined. The model proposed by Redmann, et al. (1976)

has the rigor and the simplicity needed for engineering analysis. Un­

necessary bounds on maximum wind speeds and an attempt to force the

14

model to satisfy (and justify) the so-called Tephigram method of bounds

on the potential intensity of a tornado renders the model less than

desirable for practical applications of missile trajectory calculations

for power plant licensing purposes.

The single vortex wind field model proposed by Fujita (1978) (as

opposed to his multiple vortex model) appears to satisfy most, if not

all, of the model defficiencies cited above; yet, it is simple enough

for engineering calculations. Designated DBT-77 (Design Basic Tornado

based on 1977 technology), the model is based on photogrammetric anal-

ysis of tornado movie films and on damage patterns observed in post-

storm investigations. Fluid mechanics equation of motion and continuity

are generally satisfied, and scaling parameters for adjusting the tor­

nado size (radius of maximum wind speed) are consistent and have a

physical basis. The model is described in detail in Chapter III.

Aerodynamic Flight Parameter

Selection of the proper value for the aerodynamic flight param-

eter provides a series of contradictory problems.

1)

2)

3)

Missiles are rarely 11 Cl ean 11; they have attachments that affect

values of CD' A and W.

While a tumbling mode seems intuitively correct, there is evidence from tornado damage patterns that long slender mis­siles such as pipes, poles and beams tend to align themselves in the same direction.

The majority of long slender missiles impact 11 0n-end. 11 This position is inconsistent with the assumption that the maximum area of the missile aligns itself normal to the wind velocity vector.

These inconsistencies lead to the conclusion that precise values

of the aerodynamic flight parameter cannot be defined. Earlier attempts

15

to define equivalent area (Bates and Swanson, 1967; Beeth and Hobbs,

1975; Simiu and Cordes, 1976) are merely rationalization for reducing

the exposed area without any real physical basis (e.g. wind tunnel

tests). Therefore, the approach proposed herein is to consider reason­

able ranges of values of flight parameters rather than attempts to

define specific values of c0, A and W. Upper bounds are obtained by

taking the largest values of c0 and A, but these may not be reasonable.

The effects of varying the flight parameter over a certain range is

illustrated in Chapter IV in association with the Bossier City tornado

missiles.

Initial Conditions

As defined, initial conditions apply to the conditions at the

missile prior to being affected by the tornaGo. The three initial

conditions are initial height, initial location relative to tornado

path, and missile release velocity Vmr· Observations of post-storm

damage indicate that objects lying loose on the ground or even at

some elevation above ground are rately (if ever) transported by the

wind. McDonald (1976) observed that utility poles that were stacked

on a rack five ft above ground were not transported by the Brandenburg,

Kentucky tornado of April 3, 1974. The poles were located in an ideal

position to be transported by one of the most intense tornadoes that

has ever occurred in the United States. Stacks of pipes, electrical

transformers and other types of loose objects were also not picked up.

Thus, it appears that some type of sudden release of an object is

16

required for it to be injected into the wind field. Such a release can

occur due to the sudden failure of connections or anchorages, by roof

uplift or wall collapse. Sudden release of the resisting forces pro­

vided by anchors has the effect of an instantaneously applied force.

This force then accelerates the missile and moves it into position to

be affected by the drag force components of the wind.

In the trajectory model proposed herein, each missile type has an

associated missile release velocity V , which is the wind speed mr required to overcome the anchorage forces that resist movement of the

missile by the tornadic winds. The missile release velocity has a

significant effect on the path taken by the missile.

the missile may not be transported at all.

I f V i s sma 11 , mr

Since most missile shapes are not airfoils, the only uplift is

due to the vertical component of the wind field. A missile lying on

the ground will never be picked up if the vertical wind component is

zero at ground level, as it should be. A ramp-type injection as

perceived by Bates and Swanson (1967) is possible, if the missile

rolls and tumbles up a ramp and is lifted above the zero ground datum.

The above statements are consistent with observations of post-storm

damage. In the Brandenburg tornado, the winds blew past high stacks

of lumber. The. top boards were blown off of the stacks and some were

transported more than two miles. However, as the height of the stacks

decreased, they finally reached a level where no more boards ~Ere

picked up, indicating that when the stacks reached a certain level, the

vertical component of the wind was not able to sustain them in the wind

field.

17

The initial location of the missile relative to the tornado path

has two effects. If the missile is too far removed from the path, the

missile release velocity Vmr will never be reached, and the missile

will not be transported. The location of the missile relative to the

tornado path at Vmr also affects the path taken by the missile.

Number of Degrees of Freedom

While the six-degree-of-freedom approach taken by Redmann, et al.

(1978) is the most rigorous (it's hard to imagine a 12-in. dia pipe,

16ft long as a point mass), the variation of drag and lift coeffi-

cients as a function of missile attitude are not known. In the Redmann,

et al. study, a limited number of objects (12-in. dia pipe and auto­

mobile) were tested full scale in a wind tunnel to obtain data on the

variation of the drag and lift coefficients. When the results of the

three-degree-of-freedom model and the six-degree-of-freedom model were

compared, they were not terribly different, although the six-degree-of­

freedom model predicts slightly lower missile velocities.

Summary of Desired Trajectory Model Features

Based on review of previous attempts at tornado-generated missile

trajectory calculations, the following are judged to be the most

desirable features of a trajectory model:

1 )

2)

3)

Wind field model: DBT-77 by Fujita

Aerodynamic flight parameter: Use a range of values rather than specific values of CD, A and W.

Dynamic Model: Three degrees of freedom with a step-by-step numerical integration scheme.

4) Initial Conditions: Consider initial height above ground, initial location of missile relative to tornado path, and missile release velocity.

These features are described in detail in the next chapter.

18

III. MISSILE TRAJECTORY MODEL

The methodology, including the assumptions and the calculation

procedures, is referred to as the missile trajectory model. If cer­

tain initial conditions about the tornado and the missile are speci­

fied, the model gives information about the accelerations, the

velocities, and the displacements of the missile as a function of time.

The characteristics of the wind field model can also be changed as a

function of time.

Details of the trajectory model, along with assumptions and cal­

culation procedures, are described in this chapter.

Wind Field Model

The assumptions and limitations on wind field models used previ­

ously are discussed in Chapter II. The model that seems to best satis­

fy requirements of rigor and simplicity is the single vortex model

proposed by Fujita (1978). This model, designated as DBT-77*, was

developed by Fujita as a design basis tornado in 1977 for use by engi­

neers in the design and evaluation of structures. The model was

developed from the many observations of tornado damage and from photo­

grammetric analysis of tornado movies. The wind field model satisfies

the basic laws of fluid dynamics, including continuity of flow.

*For fur the r i n format i on on 0 B T- 7 7 , see F u j i t a (J 9 7 8 ) ~

19

20

A schematic diagram of the single vortex wind model, DBT-77, is

shown in Figure l. The model is an axis-symmetrical vortex with a

cylindrical core. The core is divided into two parts: an inner core

with rad~us Rn, and an outer core with radius R0

. Vertical motions are

confined to the outer core. The inner core contains a region of rota­

tional flow surrounded by the outer core which contains irrotational

flow.

The inflow layer has a height H., where air feeds into the outer l

core of the tornado and then flows vertically upward. Above the inflow

layer, the flow is outward.

The tangential velocity component in this model is expressed as the

product of two functions, each of which varies with height and radius.

The tangential velocity is given by

V = Flr) F(h) Vm (3)

where Vm is the maximum tangential wind speed; F(r) and F(h) are identi­

fied as radial and height functions, respectively. They are given by

F ( r) =

~~~~ ~ F(h) =

r 1/r hko e-k(h-1)

( r < 1 )

~h: n (4)

(h > l)

where rand hare the normalized radius and the normalized height, res-

pectively, at which the tangential wind speed is calcualted. Values of

k0

and k are assumed to be l/6 and 0.03 in this model. Fujita (1978)

states that as more observational data are accumulated in the future,

the values of k0

and k may change slightly.

MAXIML'M TANGENTIAL VELOCITY, Vm~

I I

I ,; ~·· if.·'.; .· +t.:

I

I I

I I

I I

I

;.-INNER i COREJ OUTFLOW

J ' 1 '

----.. J ____ _ ~ )

OUTER CeRE

21

FIGURE l. SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF SINGLE VORTEX TORNADO MODEL- DBT-77

22

The radial wind speed is expressed in this model by

U = V tan a (5)

where a is the crossing angle, which denotes the angle between the

direction of the incoming air flow and a concentric circle of radius r

at their crossover point (See Figure 2). In this model, a is assumed

to be zero inside the inner core. It increases or decreases outward

within the outer core, reaching a0

at its outer edge. Outside the

core, a0

remains constant everywhere. The value of a is expressed by 0

= -A (1-h312) m

= B (1-e-k(h-1)) m

inside inflow layer (6)

outside inflow layer

where Am and Bm are positive nondimensional quantities called the

11 maximum inflow tangent 11 and the 11 maximum outflow tangent,11 respectively.

The vertical velocity component inside the inner core and outside

the outer core is assumed to be zero. Inside the outer core, the ver-

tical velocity is assumed to be horizontally uniform and may be expressed

by

w = w v o m where w is the normalized vertical velocity expressed by

0

w0

= 0.398[2e-k(h-l)]

(7)

(8)

In summary, the DBT-77 tornado wind field is completely defined if

three parameters are specified: Vm, R0

and Vt (the translational speed

of the tornado). The three components of wind velocity can be normalized

with respect to Vm. The normalized wind speeds are

u = U/V o m v0 = V/Vm w0 = W/Vm

(9)

0 < R < Rn

Rr'l < R < R0

R0 < R

Qt..= 0

0 < o<. ( =<.0

<><.-~ - 0

~ I '

( 0( =-o )

/ /

FIGURE 2. DEFINITION OF CROSSING ANGLE

23

At inflow heights (where h < 1)

uo = -A hl/6(1-h3/2) m

vo = hl/6

wo = 3/28 EA (16h7/ 6 - 7h8/ 3) m

where E = 0.55 and A = 0.75 are used in this model. m

At outflow heights (where h > 1)

where k1 = k(h-1 ).

u0

= 27/28 k ~ (e-kl - e-2ki)

vo = e-kl

w 0

= 2 7 I 2 8 E Am ( 2 e- k 1 - e-2 k 1 )

At the top of the inflow layer (where h = 1)

u = 0 0

vo = 1

w0

= 27/28 E Am

24

( 1 0)

( 11)

( 12)

The values of Vm' R0

and Vt can be varied with time, if appropriate.

With these three quantities defined at any time t, the three wind field

components, u , v , and w0

can be defined for any point in space. 0 0

Missile Characteristics

Whenever an object is placed in a moving fluid (or moves through a

stationary fluid, as is the case with misssiles), it will experience a

force in the direction of motion of the fluid relative to the object

(drag force) and it may experience a force normal to the flow direction

(lift force). Drag and lift forces are caused by the sum of the tangen­

tial and normal forces at the surface of a body. Drag due to tangential

stresses is called friction or viscous drag. Drag due to normal

stresses is called pressure drag. It is usually dominant on bluff

bodies. Drag coefficients must be experimentally determined, and

they generally depend on Reynolds number. Drag coefficients of

shapes typical of tornado-generated missiles are summarized in

Hughes and Brighton (1967). Drag coefficients for additional

shapes, including the wide flange beam section, are given in

Heorner (1958).

If the missile traveled in a fixed attitude, then the area

normal to the flow, or the projected area, would be the appropriate

value to use in the drag force equation. However, because of the

questions relating to whether a missile tumbles or not, there is

25

no precise expression for area available. The ma~imum area gives an

upper bound value and is conservative but is not necessarily realis­

tic. Not only does the area change from one side of the missile to

the other, but the drag coefficient may also change, as illustrated

in Figure 3.

If there are appendages or attachments to the missile during

flight, these also change the value of area. In a similar manner,

they also increase the weight, as well as the coefficient of drag,

of the missile.

Thus, because of the unknown factors in the c0, A and W terms

of the flight parameter, the trajectory model is set up to deal with

OB

JE

CT

F

AC

E

OP

PO

SIT

E

TO

C

OE

FF

ICIE

NT

O

F W

INO

V

EC

TO

R

DR

AG

A

HE

A

C0

A

HO

LL

OW

~---

11/

. I

2

HE

MIS

Plt

ER

E

d 0

.34

-

0.3

4 (

~

)

"'----

4 4

-------

-----------

--

-

HO

LL

OW

---)

2 .

2

HE

MIS

PH

ER

E

d 1

.42

11

d

14

2 (~)

4 .

4

-. t--·--

I-~l

WID

E

FL

AN

GE

)

SE

CT

ION

2

.0

(h}(

L)

2 (

h H

L)

i-----------

--------~----------

---~---

-------------~-

--

h t

--------t

W

IDE

F

LA

NG

E

)

~ [}

S

EC

TIO

N

1.0

(b)(

L)

I (b

)(L

)

FIGU

RE

3.

VARI

ATIO

N OF

DRA

G CO

EFFI

CIEN

T W

ITH

ORIE

NTAT

ION

OF M

ISSI

LE

! I I

N

0'\

27

one value of flight parameter rather than considering individual values

of all three parameters. It is necessary then to determine what range

of values the flight parameter can assume using reasonable variations

of c0, A and w. Initial Conditions

Three initial conditions affect the missile trajectory:

l) initial height above ground,

2) missile release velocity, and

3) location of missile relative to tornado path.

The trajectory model can handle a wide range of values for the three

parameters. The initial height above ground affects the value of the

vertical wind component which produces the only upward acting force on

the missile. Typical missile shapes are not airfoils and thus there

is no lift force, per se. The missile release velocity greatly affects

the path taken by the missile and determines to some extent if the mis­

sile will move at all. If the missile release velocity is greater than

the wind speed that occurs at the missile location, the missile remains

stationary. If the release velocity is small, the missile does not

experience a large initial acceleration and may not travel very far.

The missile release velocity can be calculated if its anchorage strength

is known or can be estimated (Mehta, et al., 1976). Because of uncer­

tainties of material strength, a range of V may have to be considered. mr The trajectory model assumes that the missile is at some fixed

location and the tornado translates past the missile. When the tornadic

28

wind speed at the missile location exceeds V , the missile begins to mr move. Otherwise, it remains stationary.

Appropriate values for initial missile height, V and initial mr location must be chosen consistent with conditions at the site in

question.

Equations of Motion

The equations of motion used in this study are based on a rectan-

gular coordinate system. The three wind components U, V, and t~ (the

radial, the tangential, and the vertical wind speed, respectively) are

converted to rectangular coordinates by the following transformation

equations:

v = X

u cos e- v sine

vy = u sine+ v cos e ( 13)

vz = w

where Vx and VY are the horizontal wind speeds in the x and y direc~ons,

respectively. V2

is the vertical wind speed in the z direction, and e

is the angle that the line joining the tornado center and the missile

position makes with the x-axis (See Fig. 4).

The translational wind speed is resolved into an x component and a

y component and added vectorially to Vx and Vy, respectively

vt = vt cos s X

vt = vt sin s y

( 14)

where vt is the translational velocity of the tornado, vtx and vtyare

0

I

/

TORNADO WINDS

M!SSILE L..CC!.TION

L-------------------------------------------------------1

FIGURE 4. DEFirliTION OF ANGLES B and e

29

30

its components in the x and y directions, respectively, and s is the

angle between the tornado path and the x-axis.

The force acting upon the missile due to the action of wind is

given by

F = l/2pC0V~ .ll, (15)

where p is the mass density of the airflow; p = .00237 slug/ft3 at stan­

dard temperature and pressure

A is the area (or equivalent area) of the missile in ft2

c0 is the coefficient of drag of the missile (unitless)

Vr is the magnitude of the relative wind vector in ft/sec.

Using Newton 1 S second law of motion, this force is divided by the mass

of the missile to obtain the missile acceleration

F C0pV~A a = M = 2m

which reduces to

a = o. s (c0A/W) y v~

( 1 6)

( 17)

where m is the mass of the missile, W is the weight of the missile in

pounds, andy is the density of air which is equal to 0.76411 lb/ft3

at

standard temperature and pressure.

Now, introducing

P f = c0 A/W ( 18)

where Pf is recognized as the aerodynamic flight parameter of the

missile. Equation (16) reduces to 2

a= 0.5yPfVr ( 1 9)

31

the acceleration is also calculated in three directions using the fol­

lowing relations:

a.x = 0.5 p f-v v r.x r

ay = 0.5 P fv v ry r (20)

az = 0.5 P fv v rz r

where ax, ay' and az are the missile accelerations in the x, y and z

directions, respectively.

The terms V , V and Vrz are the relative wind velocities in the rx ry

x, y and z directions, respectively, and are defined by

v = vx v rx 1TIX

v = v v (21) ry y my

v = v vm r- z z z

where~ , V and ~ are the missile velocities in the x, y and z mx my mz

directions, respectively. The wind vector, Vr, is then defined by

(22)

Numerical Solution

Most researchers expressed the motion of the missile by a set of

ordinary differential equations of the first order. They integrated

these differential equations forward in time from prescribed initial

conditions to the point of impact of the missile. In this study, an

iterative scheme of simulation is developed to numerically solve the

missile propagation problem. A computer program is written based on

32

this iterative approach. It is assumed that the acceleration a between

any two points varies linearly with time so that

(23)

where dt represents the time interval between point i and point i+l, and

K is a constant which is initially assumed to be

K= (a.- a. 1)/dt

1 1- (24)

Then, based on this assumption, the new velocity and position of the

missile at point i + 1 are evaluated by the following equations:

VM = 0.5 (a.+ a.+1)dt + VM i+ 1 1 1 J•li

(25)

and

RM = 0.5(V. + V.+l) dt + RM i+l 1 1

(26)

where RM is the position of the missile with respect to the origin of

the coordinate axes.

Once the new position and velocity of the missile are known, the

acceleration of the missile due to the wind field can be calcualted

using Equation (20). Using the new value of the acceleration at point

i+l, the process is repeated until the acceleration at point i+l are

within some specified tolerance e.

Computer Code

To calculate and plot trajectories and velocities of tornado­

generated missiles, a computer program was developed. The program was

written in FORTRAN language to numerically solve the equations formulated

in the previous sections of this chapter. The program calculates the

missile position, velocity and acceleration as a function of time.

33

The only input data required for the program are the tornado wind

field characteristics, the missile characteristics, and initial condi­

tions. The use of Fujita's DBT-77 as the wind field model simplifies

the formulation of the wind distribution. Only three tornado oarameters

are required as input. These are the maximum tangential wind speed, the

outer core radius, and the translational speed of the tornado. These

quantities may be constant, or they may vary with time. The path of the

tornado is also required as input to the program.

The missile characteristics include the weight, the coefficient of

drag, and the area of the missile. These may be entered separately as

c0, A, and W, respectively, or in one value (C0A/W) which is the flight

parameter of the missile.

The initial conditions of the missile include the initial height,

the initial location (with respect to a specified coordinate system),

and the missile release velocity.

The tornado wind field data covers a certain period of time. The

data is recorded at each specific time interval for the whole duration

of the tornado. These time intervals are divided into small time

intervals (a l/10 sec. time interval is used in this study). The wind

field data is then calculated at each step, or time interval, by a

linear interpolation between each two original consecutive intervals.

For example, the wind field data of the Bossier City tornado was

recorded every two seconds of·the tornado duration. The total duration

was 46 seconds (23 data set intervals). The program calculates, by

linear interpolation, the wind field data every l/10 sec., i.e., at

34

460 time steps. The use of a very small time step interval leads to

more accurate results, but it requires more computational time.

The code consists of a main program and four subroutines. The

input data is entered in the main program. The four subroutines are

called LINE, WINVEL, ACCEL and PLOT.

Subroutine LINE uses the given path data and generates intermediate

path data. The number of data points desired is controlled by an arbi­

trarily chosen spacing or time interval. A linear interpolation scheme

is used.

Subroutine WINVEL is the tornado wind field model based on Fujita•s

OBT-77. It calculates the tangential, radial and vertical wind speeds

at any desired point. In this case, the desired point is the missile

position at each time step. A transformation of these velocities from

polar to rectangular coordinates is performed at the end of the sub­

routine.

Subroutine ACCEL calculates the acceleration of the missile due to

the resultant wind vector that acts on the missile. This acceleration

is also calculated in the x, y and z directions.

The last subroutine, PLOT, plots the trajectory taken by the

missile from the point of release to the point of impact.

After reading the tornado path data and the missile characteris­

tics and initial conditions, the program calls LINE and generates a

desired number of intermediate path data. ThenWINVEL is called and

the wind speed at the missile initial location is calculated. This

35

step is repeated until the resultant wind speed at the missile location

reaches the missile release velocity previously defined in the program.

At this point, the missile is no longer stationary. Subroutine ACCEL

is then called and the acceleration of the missile due to the net wind

speed is calculated. The program then calculates the new position of

the missile and repeats the above steps until the missile hits the

ground. The maximum horizontal velocity, vertical velocity, and height

attained by the missile are estimated. Then, subroutine PLOT is called

and the trajectory is plotted if desired.

The program prints out, at every calculation step, the position of

the tornado, the wind speed ~nd the missile•s x, y and z positions.

Then, it prints out the extreme values of the missile acceleration,

horizontal velocity, vertical velocity and height. A flow chart illus­

trating the program is shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2

FLOW CHART OF COMPUTER CODE

Read tn:

Tornado Path Data: tornado position, mutmum t•nqentrar veloclty, outer core radius, translational soeed.

Mi!Sile Characteri~tlcs: initial loca­trO'ii';iiilT\41vel~coefficient of drag, weight, area, release veloci ~y.

Ca 11 LINE:

Calculate Intermediate Path Data at selecte~ n .. nber of steps or tjrne interva 1 s.

Call WHlVEL:

Determine the step at which the wind speed at the missile Initial location reaches the predetermined miss! le release velocity.

I

Ca 11 ACCEL:

Calculate the nfsslle acceleration due to the resultant wind vector ac~ ing on the missile.

1 Calculate the missile po~itton and velocity at that step, then ca 11 '.I!NVEL. ' =

>---~_j Calculate missile extremes: ~..1<imum horizontal velocity, m.uimum vertical velocity, maxfmu"l height,

write out: ~t each ~tc.2.:., tornado posttio~, wind speed in x, y and z directrons, mtssrle velocltres in x, y and z direction.

After impact: maximum mtss1le acceleration, maxrmum horTzontal velocity, maximum verticil velocity, mHimum height.

Ca 11 PLOT: Plot the trajectory, if desired.

36

IV. COMPARISON OF SIMULATION STUDY WITH OBSERVED MISSILE BEHAVIOR

One of the main objectives of the missile study is to compare the

results obtained from the missile trajectory model developed herein

with some observed missile behavior. Missile trajectory calculations

are presented to show that the computer simulation can give a reason­

able approximation to the actual missile trajectories, at least to the

point of matching the initial missile location and the final position

of the missile impact.

Approach

The approach taken in this study was to treat the wind field

characteristics of the Bossier City tornado, as deduced by Or. Fujita

from the damage arid debris patterns, as known quantities. The advan-

tage of this approach is that it eliminates some of the unknowns

associated with the problem. The only variables, then, are related to

the missile itself. The missile parameters were systematically varied

until a set of trajectories were obtained that matched the impact

points of the six wide flange beams that were transported by the Bossier

City tornado. Details of the calculations described above are presented

in subsequent sections of this chapter.

Bossier City Tornado

On the night of December 3, 1978, a devastating tornado struck

Bossier City, Louisiana cutting a six mile path through the city. Two

people were killed, houses, commercial business and public buildings

were damaged or destroyed. The tornado damage was documented by a

37

38

team of researchers under sponsorship of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory

Commission. Team members included Dr. J. R. McDonald from Texas Tech

University, Dr. T. T. Fujita from the University of Chicago, and R. F.

Abbey, Jr. from the NRC. The tornado event was meticulously documented

by means of aerial and ground level photographs, surveys and interviews

with eye witnesses to the storm. Dr. Fujita subsequently analyzed the

damage and deduced his interpretation of the tornado event. Of parti­

cular interest was the tornado-generated missiles found at the

Meadowview Elementary School.

Damage Observations at Meadowview Elementary School

Figure 5 shows a plot plan of the school and the neighborhood

surrounding it. From aerial photos taken shortly after the tornado, •

the extent of damage to residences and the school have been plotted

on the drawing. Debris patterns are also shown on the drawing. The

x-y coordinate axes give an indication of the scale.

Also shown in Figure 5 are the impact locations of the six steel

wide flange beams that were transported by the tornado. The beams

were 14 in. deep, 24 ft long and weighed 30 lbs per ft (AISC designa­

tion: W14x30). The beams supported the roof of the southeast wing of

the school. They spanned in an east-west direction along the top of

the south exterior wall. Figure 6 shows a general view, looking

*This drawing was prepared by Or. T. T. Fujita.

1500

1000

50

0

~l v

~~v

:::J

D

CJ L

".:J

C:J

CJ r::.J

C:.lr-J

Cl [~

V

l·] \

) C

J 1

BU

RD

INE

S

Til

1 \

~~

11, L~--

~~~~~~

-~c;

:c:·i r~

~~~-cl

-;;Tr~

:~=-:~~

c--~-

_; . --

0 0

'•

" ·,

.. _

.

0 ~~--

-----

----

~ .. :;'/,

_..; ...

... -,f ~~t~

~ t-\.

I

0 ·;

, .

, L

-.

. ,,

,. -

) 0

0-

.......

,-J -··

. •t)J

;~ ~

.;";.

-

' l

' '!')

' '

-. ~

..

0 '

-I'

£...!(}

"''

'' ,;

, .. ·~

-~

-•

.,.

1'\

''

..

..

J..o

/)

0 .....

. , ~~ , .. '1:

' '

1.'\ •

"'

\ ·

...-v

()

~

El

: --

·~-,

~,..

. "

·A.'

-/(

' ~

/)

'-'..-·· .

, r

Iaiii\

P.->,

't:

u r <,f~

. , -~~

-~"'>-/

V

,C.,/::;

[',v

.....

0""'-

• ~

• (j<

r '\

/

/\'

P\'\

+

:\

v*"

V"-"'

'/ .

y &

11

... ·

. ~--

'•J\,

;''

'\.,\

/ •

11'

\

~-r~ ~ •~

-i' 0o""'

-,;

., 1_

1 _ .,-,

: v~' /

~~

· ·K:::-

o<"\.,/'"'\.~

<1> f)'-...V

"'· i'

-.....__

7

IW!: •

• ,

• ~

..-<!-,

~ ,o

\:..>

v_

.._

' v

. jll

lil .

' ,

' '

~-

-f>

0

......_

_ ()

4,

.. $1

"' .

-·.'

ltf.ll'llf

'""'J.~/"'

~I~-

K\\

.. ----c

/;:;

' -~

. ()

I •<'

\I

. I'

,r.

'"-:

,\

{)' ,._4

.y .

-.-. ,. -

,~)'"

"'';/

·' ./

·''.,_-:':

.--: \', ~

(.\

.. .

.....

r/

. -

-~

' /

--\"

' ~.

·

:: ~

. i

~ .

~.

_ ....

• . l

r _

,_

~ ~

~, \

, .. ,

.

. '

-,{)

' /)

.

. .

. ·-.

, .-

-.

-· .'

. -

.....

.. j

"\,0.

ji

\ -=-

-----

. -tJ'

' .

$">.

... .

-" .

.. -~

-.

: .

...., -

-!.

-· ~-

l J

. "--.._

/')

'...

. -·

} .

. 9·

.. ""'·"

'-/ P

llf/

KIN

G

\ ,

-3

ft--.:_

.:,.·.

.

',.. u· \

-·--

j ' '

~~)

.:'

<""\

C\\

...

V

r-,9~

•.

. "

./1

..

· •

I [''

(}

,,

(\\

...-

· :~

.. ..

. -

/11 ..

.....

. :.~-

.. _

..

---

-~--

· _/

. ..

..:..

.;~

'~.;,--

. D-

-:-·

· l·r

"u}

. l

' (!

.'-~

· ....

.

. 't..

:::-·

. L I

0

I ('·

:,

-_,

:: . .J

IIIl

-~,

.--:-·

-

---.

..,.

_:_

-:-

----..

;-

.,.~8.

:. .

J .

.J

·• U

fl

. ·

llK/N

C

•1•

· '

---

-.

, ,,

UJII

• .·

.· .

" •

...

. __

s~~Q,_R~~o.,...

-~_:':':\~..::

1:_.,,. .-

-_

. · .0.~

. /_.

h t '· .

. J! [l

..

[']

:!l [l

Oc:l

i.:J

O

..... -

. ~~--

-.-

·--..-- 1,

~ :·.~~

--·;:;_-'~

'-·-:··,

_-:--;~

--.• :;

. ~--;

,:~--~~=~

~;._.,

~; =~.;

_. ·~~

;_~-r::;-

-f·"F

·~=~

· ·-~-

---·-,~

··•--:-:

:-:--:.

_ ~·t

( Sl_

i_E !J -~~-~--

-:

... '

;.., . '

--.

/.

IJ

' '

~-'0

/ '

I ~

0 ~

~ 0

[] 1 1'

I· _,.

,.

/;';,

; · .

-~.-

--: ·

·

.:.,

I ~--

.. r·1

__

t•

· 0

LJ

::

-.

--

-' :

-~

, I

l 'Il

l' 0

, I L

) I

I'J

r [J

; L

o! '

...

. -

.. -

. .

I .

I I

t)

,,

0 J

O,•

•rtr

l

mm n

~ r~

Md

, .

.

() r:.,O

f1

1~~L ~C£0 C

All~

···.'

-.-

ocnR

IS

~ .

.,.

_ ..

(ll\~.t

l\(.[

OIR

fC T

ION

S

/: •

Ol~fCTIO

tl

nt G~ASS

--;::

:...

ri)

Wfl

l P

UL

ES

. .u

i-'

.L. f(

N[

[ on

o P

OS

TS

\ I

R[

AM

"I

S~Il

f

,,

,, .

. ,.

•f'O

1

1114

JI(

'"

"'

. .. ~

g ~~~u

. -

• !

[]

• 0

0 .

D

~ -r

. ·.-'

----u .l

-·il!N

.

'/ I

) ~

r '

z I

r] ~

• w1

1nm

1nq

~

. '

~--/

j --

0:.:,:

o·-

---

-0

1 0

0 ~

f 0

U ·

P

ool

' 1 1

1 •

u _

1 _

'I

~ 1

, .

. '-

~ \

----

G, .

r J

Q_

• o

~. I '1 ·

.•

o o

~ I

/;

I •

I l)

-::1

L

lll

>

'-'

'/'1

I

/ /

/ /1

'

0 -

-0

• --

-'jl

Cl

~ ; ••

'.

\ ~//

;////

/ ...

..... -

I _

__

U

Ll ·i

[)

0 1.1

[j

-;~

1 () \

,,

,, ·.'

/ / /

.

rJ 1

[]

u /\

,(

(',

~J

· o

0 ::11

j

/ ·,

· '

I I

1 L

· '.

V

•·

V

,I ·

j'

........ /

-..

,_

·.

DU

AH

AM

ST

Jl

· "'

\ '

''X.

-.--:

-::::-~~

---

--:::;-

---;-

·-;·-

~--·

:.--

-·-:

---

-.,---

---'

----·-

-,..--

.----

· ~

/5 ~·-

~-.~ /

n rl.

\f n--

-----<

\-lr/>

_______

_ n(f

-,]·----o-

r~

' I

LJ -

u /

I

A----------------------~

50

0

10

00

15

00

20

00

2

50

0

FIGU

RE

5.

TORN

ADO

DAMA

GE

IN

VIC

INIT

Y O

F ME

ADOW

VIEW

ELE

MEN

TARY

SCH

OOL

(FW

JITA

, 19

79)

w

1.0

_J

0 0 ::c u C./)

>-0::: c:r: 1-z: L.I..J :E: L.I..J _J L.I..J

3 l.J....I ....... > 3 0 0 c:r: l.J....I :E:

1-c:r: l.J....I ~ < :E: c:r: 0

0 a c:r: z 0::: 0 I-

40

41

northeast, of the damage to the school building. The southeast wing

(wing nearest bottom of photo) received the most extensive damage.

The south wall has collapsed and the roof is missing from one third

of the wing area. Other wings of the building have broken windows

and some roof removal, but there are no other collapsed walls.

Figure 7 shows an elevation of one of the exterior walls that

did not collapse. It is constructed similar to the south wall. There

is a buttress which has no structural value and an overhang of approxi­

mately four ft. The wide flange beams provided continuous support of

the roof along the entire length of the wall.

The beams were supported by pipe columns at approximately 24 ft

on center in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 8. The beams

were bolted or welded to the column cap plates. Knee braces made of

2 x 1~ x ~angles were located at each column. Fi~ure 9 shows a

typical cross section at the exterior wall. Open web steel joists

rested on the top flange of the Wl4x30 beams. Each joist was welded

to the beam with two 1/4 in. welds, 1 in. long. The top chord of the

joists extended approximately four ft beyond the beam and supported

the roof overhang. The roof was constructed with 2 1/2 in. light-

weight concrete over corrigated metal deck. A built up tar and gravel

roof completes the roof system.

The pipe columns had a 6x6 base plate that was anchored to the

foundation with 2 3/4 in. dia anchor bolts. Instead of using nuts

_J

0 0 :c u (/)

>-0::: c:I: t­z LL.J ::E: LL.J _J LL.J

t­c:I: _J _J

c:I: 3

0::: 0 -0::: LL.J t­>< LL.J

_J

c:I: u -c.... >­t-

. """ LL.J 0::: ::::> (.!:) -u..

42

LL... 0 0 ~

1-c::(

t/)

z 0 ......... 1-u LL.J z z 0 u

z :a: :::::> .....J 0 u

I 0 I-

I :a: c::( LL.J co .....J c::( u ......... c... >-1-

. 00

LL.J 0::: :::::> ~ -LL...

43

!1'-

lo"

8.0

12

14

MA

T·,

~2\:i.r_~~-==

COLU

MN

-·o

~ + ···-_

. '!'"_

'b

FIGU

RE

9.

ROOF

CRO

SS S

ECTI

ON A

T EX

TERI

OR W

ALL

0:

•.,J ~ +

COLU

MN

+::>

+::>

45

on the anchor bolts, as is customary, the bolts were burned off flush

with the top of the base plate and then were welded to the plate.

The impact points of the six beams (_designated A through F) are

shown in Figure 5. The precise location of each beam along the top

of the wall could not be determined. The two beams designated A and

B impacted the ground fairly close to the building, although subse­

quent trajectory calculations suggest that they may have traveled in

a large loop before hitting the ground. Beam A struck the ground on­

end, but had been removed from the ground before a depth of penetration

could be measured. It is not known if beam B landed on-end or not.

Beam C is shown in Figure 10. This beam struck the ground with suffi­

cient force to penetrate 8 ft into the ground. It is located about

400 ft from the southeast corner of the wing from which it came. Beam

Dis shown in Figure 11. It still has a pipe column attached to it.

The impact point was across the street from where it is shown in the

figure. It passed through the corner of the house shown in Figure 12

and then penetrated into the ground. A couple was sleeping in a bed

located in the same corner where the beam came through. Fortunately,

the beam passed above them and they were not injured. Beam E landed

in the open school yard (See Fig. 13). The column attached to the

beam was apparently bent prior to impact. The base plate, which is

similar to the one shown in Figure 12, was still attached to the end

of the column. The si~th beam, Beam F, impacted the furthermost dis­

tance from the school. It struck the roof of the house shown in

46

FIGURE 10. BEAM C PENETRATED EIGHT FEET INTO GROUND

FIGURE 11. BEAM D WITH PIPE COLUMN STILL ATTACHED

FIGU

RE 1

2.

BEAM

D A

T PO

INT

OF

IMPA

CT A

FTER

PA

SSIN

G TH

ROUG

H CO

RNER

OF

HOUS

E

~

""'-~

FIGURE 13. BEAM E WITH THE PIPE COLUMN STILL ATTACHED

FIGURE 14. BEAM F STRUCK ROOF OF HOUSE LOCATED 1000 FT FROM SCHOOL BUILDING

48

49

in Figure 14~ traveling in a direction from east to west. Fortunately,

no one in the house was hurt from the impact of this beam.

All of the beams except possibly Beam B impacted on-end. Table 3

gives information on impact locations and angles of impact. It is

significant that the beams impacted on-end. While the evidence is

somewhat circumstantial, it indicates that missiles of this type may

travel in some fixed relationship to the resultant wind vector.

Fujita·~ Analysis of Tornado Wind Field

By interpretation of damage and debris patterns, Fujita estimated

the location of the center line of the tornado path as it traveled

across the school area. In adiditon, he deduced values of the outer

core radius R0

, the maximum tangential wind speed, and the transla­

tional speed of the tornado as it traveled along the path. These

values are tabulated in Table 4. The interpretation of the tornadic

wind speeds in the form of isovels is given in Figure 15. The maximum

wind speed in the area where the wide flange beams ~~re located was

estimated to be 200 mph. Note from Table 4 that the outer core radius

as the tornado passed over the school is less than 50 ft. This is an

extremely tight core tornado as interpreted by Dr. Fujita, and has a

significant effect on the trajectories taken by the missiles.

Factors Affecting Trajectory Path

Before describing the trajectory calculations needed to match

the Bossier City missile impact points, a brief discussion is presented

fu...

\ I

\

50

(/) c::(

a LLJ LLJ Cl.. (./')

a z ........ ::s: u ........ a c::( z 0:::

,-., 0 5 1-Q l..J...

0

0

(/)

.....J LLJ > 0 (/) ........

51

TABLE 3

SUMMARY OF MISSILE DATA

Initial Location a Im12act Locationa ImQact Angle

Missile X y X y Horizontalb Verticalc

" 1200 920 1375 .-1 945 N 50° E Unknown

B 1224 920 1410 915 N 85° E 30°

c 1245 920 1590 700 s 30° E 23°

D 1266 920 1780 940 s 60° E 20°

E 1290 920 1535 1400 N 20° w so

F 1311 920 1450 1710 N 80° w Unknown

NOTES:

a. Coordinates are referenced to Figure 5.

b. Bearing angles are based on direction missile was traveling at impact.

c. Angle is measured from the horizontal ground plane.

52

TABLE 4

FUJITA'S INTERPRETATION OF TORNADO WIND FIELD DATA

Outer Core Maximum Translat1onal Path Coordinatesa Time Radius Tangent i a 1 Velocity

(sec) X ( ft) y (ft) (ft) (mph) (mph)

0 0 0 43 141 40

2 75 90 46 135 40

4 145 185 49 128 40

6 220 280 66 122 39

8 300 385 89 "117 37

10 375 495 135 114 34

12 450 620 190 112 30

14 520 700 230 111 27

16 585 745 236 110 25

18 675 820 233 111 32

20 835 870 190 116 43

22 1000 875 105 131 47

24 1145 910 59 155 44

26 1255 945 46 175 40

28 1360 1010 49 175 38

30 1455 1080 59 167 35

32 1535 1160 89 155 32

34 1605 1230 105 150 30

36 1715 1295 82 150 36

38 1855 1310 52 158 45

40 1965 1380 43 170 42

42 2055 1460 46 170 38

44 2150 1540 56 155 37

46 2245 1600 72 140 35

a. Coordinates are referenced to Figure 5.

53

on those factors that most significantly affect the missile trajectories.

The ones treated as variables in this study were

1) initial conditions, and

2) flight parameter.

The three initial conditions are initial height of missile, initial

location and missile release velocity. The initial height was treated

as a constant (15ft above ground level). The other two are somewhat

interrelated.

In these calculations, the missiles are located at some fixed

point, and the tornado is passed by along a predetermined path. The

missile is not free to move until the tornadic wind speed reaches the

missile release velocity. The missile trajectory can take a variety

of paths, depending on where the missile is located and what the mis­

sile release velocity is. Consider two cases:

l) missile located to left of tornado path, and

2) missile located to right of tornado path.

If the missile is located to the left of the path, Figure 16 shows

that it can be picked up at the front of the tornadic winds at point A

or at the rear at point B, because of the influence of the translational

speed of the tornado. Thus, if the missile release velocity is less

than the resultant wind speed at A, the missile will be released at A

and will follow a path as indicated in Figure 16. If the release veloc­

ity is greater than the wind speed at A, but less than or equal to the

wind speed at B, the missile will be released at B and will take a

"' ' \ MISSILE TRAJECTORY

\ ( V m r < v, a < V r b )

v \ \

\' Nra \ ~ RESULTANT WINC '/::LOCITY

~ / /':I!A-- V t

/U ------+-~~~~~~//~------~-------------~ORNADO

'-/1- ;'"' PATH

RESULT;l,NT 'NINO VEL'JC!TY

" Vrb "

V - Tangential Velocity U - Radial Velocity

' ' ' " ...........

Vt - Translational Velocity of Tornado

"':t. MISSILE 7?AJECTORY (V <V (V )

ra mr ro

Vra' Vrb- Resultant Wind Velocity at A & 8, Respectively

54

FIGURE 16. EFFECT OF RELEASE VELOCITY ON MISSILE TRAJECTORY WHEN MISSILE IS LOCATED TO LEFT OF PATH

totally different path. If the release velocity of the missile is

greater than the resultant wind speed at both points A and B, then

the missile will not be picked up. A similar situation occurs if

55

the missile is located to the right of the tornado path (See Fig. 17).

After the release of the missile from its anchorage, its path

depends on the missiles position relative to the wind field. Two

cases are illustrated, In Figure 18, the missile is located on the

left side of the tornado path. The release velocity is such that the

missile initially moves under influence of winds on the back side of

the tornado core. In this case, ~he missile travels along the tornado

path and remains ahead of the tornado center. Finally, it crosses the

tornado path and strikes the ground.

The missile in Figure 19 is located in the reight side of the

tornado path and is released on the front side of the tornado core.

It crosses the tornado path and is then affected by the tornadic winds

on the back side of the core. This causes the missile to make a loop.

While the missile is making the loop, the tornado moves away from it.

The net distance traveled by the missile from its point of origin is

generally small, compared to the previous example. However, the dis­

tance traveled along the trajectory path may be quite large.

Because the flight parameter is directly proportional to the accel­

eration of the missile under the influence of the wind forces, it

affects the maximum horizontal velocity, the maximum vertical velocity,

the maximum height achieved, and the distance traveled from its

original location.

" MISSILE TR AJEC"T'ORY

\ ( vrc < vmr < vrd )

I I I I

.,....-+-~Vrc ---r--------~------~~~------~TORNAOO

PATf-l

V - Tangential Velocity

U - Radial Velocity

Vr - Translational Velocity

7RA,jECTORY

{ Vrc < Vmr < V;d )

Vrc' Vrd - Resultant Wind Velocity

Vmr - Missile Release Velocity

FIGURE 17. EFFECT OF RELEASE VELOCITY ON MISSILE TRAJECTORY WHEN MISSILE IS LOCATED TO RIGHT OF PATH

56

/

/

19

MIS

SIL

E

IMP

AC

T

TO

RN

AD

O

/TO

RN

AD

O

CORE

--------

-----

~ '- ',

"~

FIGU

RE 1

8.

MIS

SILE

PO

SITI

ON

RELA

TIVE

TO

TORN

ADO

POSI

TION

WHE

N M

ISSI

LE

IS R

ELEA

SED

ON

BACK

SID

E OF

TOR

NADO

COR

E

4

MIS

SIL

E

PO

SIT

ION

Ul

........

MIS

SIL

E

---

' 7

'6'~ '-

--M

ISS

ILE

IM

PA

CT

FIGU

RE

19.

MIS

SILE

PO

SITI

ON

RELA

TIVE

TO

TORN

ADO

POSI

TION

WH

EN M

ISSI

LE

IS R

ELEA

SED

ON

FRON

T SI

DE

OF

TORN

ADO

CORE

I

Ul

00

59

Table 5 illustrates the effect of flight parameter on the trajectory

characteristics. The initial conditions are such that the trajectory

is similar to the one in Figure 18. The percentage of maximum tangential

velocity versus flight parameter is plotted in Figure 20 for the maximum

horizontal and vertical velocity achieved by the missile under a specific

set of wind field and initial missile conditions. Increasing the value

of flight parameter above some value (0.05 in this case) has little

· additional effect on the maximum horizontal and vertical velocities.

Objects with small value of flight parameter are more sensitive than

the ones with large values. Thus, when examining a possible range of

values for flight parameter, it is sensitive to the magnitude of the

flight parameter itself.

Case Studies

The case studies described in the general approach are presented

in this section. The tornado wind field data deduced by Or. Fujita

are used in the simulation. The parameters that control the paths and

impact locations of the six wide flange beam missiles are discussed

first. These include the initial conditions and the flight parameters.

Controlling Parameters

An initial height above ground of 15 ft was assumed for all cases

studied. The location of each missile relative to the tornado path is

obtained from the damage analysis. Using Fujita's interpretation of

the wind field, the path location is given in Table 4. The initial

location of the missiles is atop the south wall of the southeast wing of

the school. Precise initial locations are found in Table 3.

TABLE 5

VARIATION OF MISSILE VELOCITIES WITH FLIGHT PARAMETER*

Flight Maximum Maximum Maximum Parameter Horiz. Vel. Vert. Ve 1. Height J ft2 I 1 b) (ft/sec) (ft/sec) (ft)

. 01 38.5 28.5 15.0

. 02 96.6 37.3 23.9

. 03 135. 9 54.4 51.1

. 04 164. 0 62.9 81.5

. 05 178.9 65.9 98.2

.06 188.4 66.3 102. 7

. 07 194.3 67.4 103.5

. 08 199. 7 . 72.3 111.9 •.

. 09 204.4 75.9 118.4

. 10 208.7 78.6 123.2

. 11 212.6 80.6 126.7

. 12 216.0 81.8 129.2

. 13 219.3 82.6 130.8

. 14 222.1 82.9 131. 7

. 15 225.0 82.9 132.0

*Missile Initial Conditions:

Initial Height: 15 ft Initial Location: On center line of tornado path Release Velocity: 200 mph

Tornado Parameters: · Maximum Tangential Velocity, Vm: 200 mph

Translational Velocity: 50 mph Outer Core Radius: 50 ft

60

Maximum Dist. Traveled

(ft)

33

127

426 653

755 786 789 827 857

872

885 893 892

890 895

100

)­ t- 0 0

80

_. w

>

_. ~

t- ~

60

(!

) z ~ ~ ~

::! 4

0

x ~ :1

\L

0 w !i'

20

t­ z w

0 a:

w

ll.

C)

N

0 d

\10~~

~~_;J~-

MA

XIM

UM

V

E.R

!II,

./\L

Y

LL

Y"'

._y _

__

__

__

__

_ _

-

10

CD

Q

0 0

0 d

0 F

LIG

HT

P

AR

'AM

E T

ER

Q

d N

0 • 0

!!?

0 CD

0 0 N

0

FIGU

RE

20.

VARI

ATIO

N OF

MIS

SILE

VE

LOCI

TIES

WIT

H VA

LUES

OF

FLIG

HT

PARA

MET

ER

0'\

__

,

62

The range of missile release velocities considered was obtained by

analyzing the wind speed required to cause uplift of the beams. The

critical wind load acting on the roof is shown in Figure 21. The term

p is the wind pressure in psf. The dead load of the roof is 37 psf 0

(see Fig. 21). For a one ft wide strip of roof, the following expres-

s ion for the anchorage resistance R can be obtai ned by writing a sum­

mation of moments about point 0.

R = 28.7p0

693 (lb/ft) (27)

The columns are spaced at 24 ft on center. The perimeter of a 3/4 in.

dia anchor bolt is 2.36 in. Therefore, since the weld resistance per

in. on two bolts is 14.38 k/in. (see Fig. 21), we can write from

Equation (23):

(_14.28)(2.36) =(28.7p0

- 693) (28)

Solving for p0

,

p = 72.9 psf (29) 0

The corresponding wind speed in mph is obtained from the equation

2 p0

= 0. 00256V ( 30)

Therefore, the wind speed is

'1 = /p /0. 00256 ·o

= 169 mph

( 31 )

Similar calculations show that the column anchorage is the weakest link

in the system. This finding is verified by observations in the field.

63

. TTTJifl l !I I ll ~~ ~ f"lT~ /

{/f

COLUMNS SPACED ~ 24'-o"

Ar-1 -.A R

UPLIFT FORCES

Roof Load: Tar & gravel Lightweight concrete Steel joists Ceiling

5.5 16/ft2 27.0 3.4 1.0

36.9 l6/ft2

2-~;4' o A. SOL ~s

( 1/4" WC:LD AROUND BOLT PERIMETER l

SECTION A-A

Note: Joist-to-beam and beam-to-column connections are stronger than column anchorage.

Weld Resistance (E70 Electrodes) Rw = l/4(0.707)(40.4)(2)

= l4.28k/in. (based on ultimate shear strength)

FIGURE 21. UPLIFT FORCES REQUIRED TO CAUSE COLUMN ANCHORAGE FAILURE

The value of Y = 169 mph represents an idealized situation. If

less weld were used, of if there were defects in the weld or missing

welds, failure could occur at wind speeds less than this value. On

the other hand, unaccounted strength or additional dead weight could

cause the wind speed to produce failure higher than the calculated

value. The range of values used in the trajectory calculations was

130-190 mph.

64

Since the proposed approach involves assuming values of flight

parameter rather than individual values of c0, A and W, the first step

was to determine what a reasonable range of values might be. Table 6

lists a number of possible values of the flight parameter based on

various values for c0, A and W.

Since the most likely failure mode involves uplift of the entire

roof, subsequent to failure at the columns anchor bolts, it seems likely

that the beams were initially attached to sections of the roof during

their flights. These roof sections could be of various sizes, depending

on how the roof came apart. The basic dead load of the roof was 37

lb/ft2. However, parts of the roofing material could have come off

prior to column anchorage failure, so the roof might have weighed con­

siderably less than the 37 psf, depending on the situation. As the

size of the roof section increases, its drag coefficient is likely to

decrease. For flat plates, with wind blowing normal to the surface,

the value of c0

varies from 1.2 to 1.95, depending on the length to

width ratio. As the value decreases, the values approach 1.2. The

TABL

E 6

POSS

IBLE

VA

LUES

OF

FL

IGH

T PA

RAM

ETER

=

Mis

sile

N

et

Roo

f D

eck

Wei

ght,

psf

,

Beam

plu

s 2

5 10

20

x-

sq f

t o

f CD

pf

~~

p f

pf

roof

dec

k A

w

w

w

----

0 2

.0

28

720

. 078

72

0 .0

78

720

.078

72

0

50

1.8

78

82

0 . 1

71

920

. 145

12

20

.115

17

20

100

1.6

12

8 92

0 .2

23

1220

. 1

68

1720

. 1

19

2720

200

1.4

228

1120

.2

85

1720

. 1

86

2720

.1

17

4720

400

1.2

428

1520

. 3

38

2720

. 1

89

4720

. 1

09

8720

600

1.2

628

1920

.3

93

3720

.2

03

6720

. 1

12

1272

0

800

1.2

82

8 23

20

.428

47

20

.211

87

20

. 114

16

720

30

pf

w

.078

72

0

. 082

22

20

. 075

37

20

. 068

67

20

.059

127

20

.059

187

20

.059

24

720

pf

w

.078

72

0

.063

25

20

.055

44

20

.048

81

20

.040

155

20

.040

229

20

.040

303

20 37

pf

.078

.055

.046

.039

.033

.033

.033

())

U1

66

beam alone has a CD that varies from 1.0 to 2.0, depending on orienta­

tion about the longitudinal axis. Thus, it appears to be reasonable

that as additional sq ft of roof area is added to the beam, the value

of CD should decrease from a maximum of 2.0 down to 1.2.

From Table 6, it is found that the range of values of flight

parameter goes from 0.033 to 0.428. The values to the right of the

solid line appear to be the most plausible ones. It does not seem

likely that a large surface area would be present that would have a

very light weight per sq ft. Thus, a more reasonable range of values

is 0.033 to 0.28.

Trajectories Based on Fujita's Analysis of Wind Field

The trajectory calculations are based on Fujita's interpretation

of the Bossier City tornado. The wind field parameters are listed in

Table 4. The objective is to perform a series of trajectory calcula-

tions and determine the set of parameters that will give trajectories

that match the impact points of the Bossier City tornado missiles.

The two parameters that were varied were missile release velocity and

flight parameter. Table 7 shows the combination of parameters that

were used in this study. A total of 80 cases were examined. The

flight parameters needed to obtain the match ranged from 0.03 to 0.28.

The missile release velocity ranged from 95 mph to 150 mph.

The results of each of the 80 trajectory calculations were

examined (six trajectories; one for each missile are obtained for each

case study). The case that best matched the impact point for each

67

TABLE 7

PARAMETERS USED FOR THE CASE STUDIES

Flight Parameter

{ psf) . 03 .033 . 035 . 050 . 100 . 150 .200 .250 .260 .280

l gl 1* 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

~I n 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 +->

~~ 21 .,...

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 u 0

..-

~I 31 OJ 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 > OJ

~141 V1 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 1'0 OJ

,....-

~~51 OJ 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 0:::

OJ

~161 ..- 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 .,... V1 V1 .,...

~171 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 :::E:

*Case Number

68

individual missile was selected and tabulated in Table 8. The trajec­

tories are referred to as trajectories 1 to 6. The observed impact

points are labeled A to F. The coordinates of the observed impact

points and the calculated impact points and the errors are listed in

the table. Except for impact point E, the calculated points are

remarkably close. Figure 22 shows a horizontal olot of the 6 trajec­

tories and the locations of the impact points.

Conclusions Based in Simulation Studies

Upon examination of values of missile release velocity and flight

parameters that were required to match the observed locations of all

six missiles, the following is observed:

1) The missile release velocities are relatively lovJ, compared to the calculated "ideal" release velocity of 170 mph.

2) Three of the six missiles required flight parameters that are near the lower limit of the acceptable range, and the other three required flight parameters that are near the upper limit.

3) While the impact points of the missiles match very well, the observed angles of impact do not match the calculated ones very well.

The justification of the low release velocities that were required

to match the observed impact location is that the tornadic winds might

have lifted parts of the roofing material prior to the release of the

missiles from their anchorage. This might have reduced the resistance

of the column release R, and hence the release velocity, Vmr

Because the beams were located along the top of the 140 ft wall,

they are not expected to have the same·values of flight parameter and

pf

v T

raje

ctor

y m

r N

umbe

r (f

Ulb

) (m

ph}

1 .2

60

95

2 .0

35

100

3 . 0

30

150

4 .2

80

100

5 .0

33

100

6 . 2

00

105

TABL

E 8

COM

PARI

SON

OF O

BSER

VED

AND

CALC

ULAT

ED

IMPA

CT L

OCAT

IONS

Max

. H

oriz

. M

ax.

Ver

t.

Max

imum

-O

bser

ved

-ta 1

cul a

ted

Ve1

ocit

) V

eloc

ity

Hei

ght

Imna

ct

Impa

ct

(fti

_sec

..

( ft/

sec)

_

(ft)

x(

f_tl

· y

( ft)

~{

ft)

y(f

t)

231

82

238

1450

17

10

1468

17

67

108

35

24

1410

91

5 14

11

916

145

45

54

1780

94

0 17

40

972

204

82

361

1535

14

00

1310

14

55

71

33

18

1375

94

5 13

85

944

144

61

189

1590

70

0 15

96

694

Mis

sile

M

atch

ed

F

B c E

A

D

Err

or

{ft

)

60 1 51

232 10

8

0'\

lO

ft

1700

1600

,_

1500

1400

·-

/E

Ele

men

tary

S

cho

ol

1300

1200

·-

1100

·-

1000

900

·-

300

700

·-~6

600

ft

1000

JJ

OO

12

00

JJO

Q

]4Q

Q

•rn

n

•·--

FIGU

RE

22.

CALC

ULAT

ED M

ISSI

LE T

RAJE

CTOR

IES

AND

OBSE

RVED

IM

PACT

PO

INTS

.....

._. 0

71

release velocity. Each would have more or less amounts of roof attached

and the anchorage failure resistance would be slightly variable.

The flight parameters required to match the observed impact loca­

tions are all within the reasonable range defined earlier. The ~issiles

that did not travel very far (missiles A, B and D) are the ones that

required low flight parameters. Those that traveled long distances

(missiles C, E and F) are the ones that required high flight parameters.

A comparison between the observed and the calculated angles of

impact is shown in Table 9. Only three of the trajectories (trajec­

tories l, 2 and 5) gave a very close match of the observed angles. Also

shown in Table 9 are the calculated impact velocities of the missiles.

Unfortunately, soil samples were not taken at the time of the tornado,

so the physical properties of the soil are not known. However, the

calculated impact velocities shown in the table suggest that the impacts

observed are feasible.

Missile

A

B

c

D

E

F

TABLE 9

COMPARISON OF OBSERVED AND CALCULATED IMPACT ANGLES

Observed Calculated ImQact Angle ImQact Angle

Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vert1cal

N 50° E Unknown N 60° E 15°

N 85° E 30° N 85° E 15°

s 30° E Z3° N 70° E zoo

s 60° E 20° s 70° E 16°

N zoo w so s 80° E 4Z 0

N 85° W Unknown s 60° w 43°

7Z

Calculated Impact

Velocity

11 3 ft/ sec

79 ft/sec

150 ft/sec

153 ft/sec

7Z ft/sec

61 ft/sec

V. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Summary

In this study, a rational approach for the simulation of tornado­

generated missile trajectories has been presented. A wind field model

that is practical and has a physical basis is utilized in the formula­

tion of a three-degree-of-freedom trajectory model that is realistic

and practical from an engineering point of view. The trajectory model

calculates the position, velocity, and acceleration of the missile as

functions of time. The model is capable of handling tornadoes with

parameters that vary with time. These parameters include the path,

the maximum tangential wind speed, the outer core radius, and the trans­

lationa1 speed of the tornado.

The missile characteristics required for the trajectory simulation

are the initial conditions, the release velocity, and the flight param­

eter. The initial conditions include the initial elevation and the

location of the missile relative to the tornado path. The release

velocity depends on the anchorage of the object to the structure and

the resistance of the structure to the wind-induced pressure. The

flight parameter can be calculated as a function of the drag coefficient,

area and weight of the missile. It can be accurately calculated for

bare missiles, but in the case where the missile has appendages or

attachments of unknown weight and area, the flight parameter varies

within a certain range and cannot be assigned a specific value.

73

74

Conclusions

The following conclusions on the trajectory simulation model and

the comparison of calculated missile behavior with observed missile

behavior are made:

1. A missile is sustained by the tornadic winds if a sudden

release is applied on it. As the missile release velocity

increases, the initial acceleration of the missile due to

the tornadic winds increases; hence, the missile travels

faster, higher, and further than one released at low wind

speeds.

2. Since mis-sfles are rarely "clean, 11 a range for the flight

parameter, rather than specific values of the coefficient of

drag, the area and the weight, is suggested.

3. The calculated impact locations of the six wide flange beam

missiles transported by the Bossier City tornado match very

closely with the observed ones; the calculated angles of

impact do not match the observed angles as well; and the

impact velocities resulting from the simulation are of

sufficient magnitude to cause the missiles to penetrate the

ground as observed.

LIST OF REFERENCES

Bates, F.C., and Swanson, A. E., ~lovember, 1967. 11 Tornado Design Consideration for ~iuclear Pov.1er Plants," The American Nuc~ear Society, ~nnual Meeting, Chicago, Illinois.

Beeth, D.R., and Hobbs, S.H., October, 1975. ''Analysis of Tornado-Generated Missiles," Topical Keport S&R-001.

Bhattacharyya, A.:<., 3oritz, R.C., and ~liyogi, P.K., October, 1975. ''Characteristics of Tornado-Generated Missiles," United '::ngi­neers, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Fujita, T.T., September, 1978. "Workbook of Tornadoes and High Winds for Engineer-ing .:1.pplications," University of Chicago, S~!RP Research Paper 165, Chicago, Illinois.

Fujita, T.T., January, 1979. "Preliminary Report of the Bossier City Tornado of December 3, 1978," Department of Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

Hoecker, W.H., Jr., Hay, 1960. "J.Jind Speed and ,-\ir Flow Patterns in the Jallas Tornado of .1\pril 2,"1957 ," Monthly '1Jeather Revie•.-J, Vol. 88, :lo. 5, pp. 167-180.

Heorner, S.F., 1965. "Fluid Dynamic Drag," Hoerner Fluid Dyna:nics, Sri ck T m~m, New Jersey.

Hughs, ~i.F., and Brighton, J.A., 1967. "Theory and Problems of :=luid Dynamics," Scham' s Outline Series, McGraw-Hill Book Compc.ny.

Iotti, R.C., June, 1975. "Design Basis Velocities of Tornado Genen~ed Missiles," Paper Presented at Annual Conference of American Nuclear Society, New Orleans, Louisiana.

James, R.A., Burdette, E.G., and Sun, C., November, 1974. "The Generation of Missiles by Tornadoes, 11 Tennessee Valley Authority, TVA- TR74-l.

Johnson, T., and Abbot, G., November, 1977. "Simulation of Tornado Missile Hazards to the Pilorim 2 Nuclear Thermal Generating Station,'' Science ,0-,pplications, Inc., Bechtel Power Corp., San Francisco, California.

Kuo, H. L. , January, 1971. "Assymmetr~ c Fl m•:s in the Sound a ry Layer of a Maintained Vortex,'~ Journal of Atmosoheric Sciences, Vol. 28 No. 1.

75

76

Lee, A.J.H., December, 1973. "A Study of Tornado Generated Missiles," ASCE Specialty Conference on Structural Design of Nuclear Power Plant Facilities, Chicago, Illinois.

McDonald, J.R., June, 1976. "Tornado-Generated Missiles and Their Effects," Symposium on Tornadoes: Assessment of Knowledae and Implications for Man, Texas Tech University, Lubbock: Texas.

Mehta, K.C., Minor, J.E., and McDonald, J.R., September, 1976. "Windspeed Analyses of April 3-4, 1974 Tornadoes, 11 Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 102, No. ST9.

Meyer, B.L., and Morrow, W.M., June, 1975. "Tornado Missile Risk Model," Bechtel Power Corpo_ration, San Francisco, California.

Minor, J.E., and Mehta, K.C., November, 1979. "Wind Damage Observa­tions and Implications," Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 105, No. STll.

NRC, 1975. "Missiles Generated by Natural Phenomena," U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Standard Review Plan, Revision 1, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, Washington, D.C.

Paddleford, D. F., April, 1969. "Characteristics of Tornado Generated Missiles, Nuclear Energy System, Westinghouse Electric Corpor­ation, WCAP-7897.

Redmann, G. H., Radbill, J.R,, Marte, J.E., Dergarabedian, P., and Fendell, F.E., February, 1976. "Wind Field and Trajectory Mode 1 s for Tornado Prope 11 ed Objects,'' El ectri ca 1 Power Research Institute, Technical Report l, Palo Alto, California.

Simiu, E., and Cordes, M., April, 1976. 11 Tornado Borne ~1issile Speeds," Institute for Basic Standards, National Bureau of Standards, prepared for the U.S. NRC, Washington, D.C.


Recommended