Electromagnetic Pulse Charles Schwab, Taylor Weaver Summer Bridge 2011 Dr. Rahman Tashakkori, Dr. Barry Kurtz Appalachian State University Electromagnetic Pulse

Overview Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)- a broadband, high-intensity, short-duration burst of electromagnetic energy. EMP disables all electronics in range of the burst. Protection is limited

History First tested in 1960’s during Cold War “Project Fishbowl” Nuclear EMP

Physics (nuclear) Compton Effect Compton Current

Non-nuclear EMP generation Flux compression generator Electromagnetic pinch device

Effects A detonation 30,000 feet above Kansas could potentially black out the entire country Non-nuclear EMPs have a smaller blast radius The pulse created will knock out any and all electronics, such as vehicle control systems, communications, and all electrical currents

Protection Very limited Easiest method: simply unplug all electronics Faraday Box

Summary EMPs neutralize electronics, shorting them out Gamma rays produced by burst collide with atoms creating Compton Effect and Current If detonated at high enough altitude, could potentially black out the country Protection is very limited