Second-Order Correction to the Reed-Otterman Theory

Summary The theory of Reed and Otterman, which describes the propagation of a weak shock wave in an inhomogeneous medium, is extended to include the next higher-order term of relative overpressure. This extension allows a matching of theory to initial starting conditions of the shock at a point closer to the source than the Reed-Otterman theory itself. The modified theory gives a value of the shock pressure that agrees well with the numerical calculation performed by Greene and Whitaker for the upward moving shock wave from a low altitude detonation.