Effect of nuclear weapons can be reduced by dust particles: Study

<p style="font-weight: 400;">Dust can reduce the effect of nuclear weapons, Netaji Subas Institute of Technology has deduced.</p>
<p style="font-weight: 400;">Meera Chadha of the institute in her research has shown through mathematical modeling that the deadly effects of nuclear weapons can be partially mitigated or reduced with the help of dust particles.</p>
Her study published in the ‘Proceedings of Royal Society A, London’ illustrates the reduction in energy released and damage radius from an intense explosion (nuclear explosion in particular) by the introduction of dust particles. She has shown how the blast waves from the explosion decayed in the process.
<p style="font-weight: 400;">“During my Ph.D., I studied shock waves and how dust particles contribute to reducing their strength. I came across a book titled 'Science towards Spirituality', in which Former President, Late Dr. Abdul Kalam, was asked, ‘Can Science create a Cool Bomb that can defuse or deactivate the deadly atom bomb?’ This got me thinking,” Chadha said, explaining the trigger behind her research.</p>
She utilized her break a career in studying about explosions and the possible effects of dust particles on them. The WOS scheme gave her the flexibility of time and enough resources in terms of equipment and funds to carry out her research and achieve her dream.

“Such a break is common among Indian women who prioritize family over their career due to various circumstances, which are usually typical to gender. The Women Scientist Scheme (WOS A) fellowship of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) provides opportunities to women scientists and technologists who had a break-in their career but desired to return to the mainstream,” said an official press release issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology..