Scaled Distance at Altitude 'z'

The Scaled Distance at Altitude calculator computes the scaled distances using the Sachs Scaling Law based on the ambient pressure and pressure at altitude z.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (po) Ambient Pressure
• (pz) Pressure at Altitude z

Scaled Distance at Altitude (SDA_z): The distance is returned in meters.  However this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

The Scaled Distance at Altitude 'z' computes impulse using the ambient pressure and the pressure at the 'z' altitude. This equation is part of Sachs scaling law.

About Sachs Scaling Law

In the case of blast waves from explosions produced at altitude, where ambient conditions can be very different from those at sea level, the most commonly used scaling law is that due to Sachs. The application of the Sachs scaling law leads to the formulation of altitude scaling factors.

Resource:

• "Formulae for Ammunition Management." International Ammunition Technical Guideline. 1st ed. New York: UN, 2013. 2-3.UN SaferGuard. United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), 20 May 2013. Web. 12 June 2015. <http://www.un.org/disarmament/convarms/Ammunition>.