Effects of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) on state and local radio communications. Final report, October 1973

Technical Report · Fri Feb 01 04:00:00 EDT 1974

OSTI ID:4342882

Barnes, P R

The electromagnetic pulse (EMP) produced by a high-altitude nuclear detonation consists of a transient pulse of high intensity electromagnetic fields. These intense fields induce current and voltage transients in electrical conductors. If these transients are well coupled to electronic circuits, equipment malfunction or failure may result. In this study, analytical, numerical, and experimental techniques have been used to determine the effects of EMP on the two-way radio communication systems available for civil defense. The results of this study indicate that the probabilities of failure for two-way radio communication systems without EMP protection is a strong function of the radio carrier frequencies that compose the electromagnetic links of the systems. The probabilities of failure are also a relatively strong function of the EMP's amplitude and time history, the active electronics components employed in the communications equipment, gain and type of antennas in the system, the use of RF overload protection, and system configurations. The probability of communications failure for these systems can be reduced to near zero by implementing a recommended emergency preparedness program. This program consists of providing low-cost EMP protection for the systems and emergency backup equipment for some essential system components. (auth)

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., Tenn. (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• NSA Number: NSA-29-018511
• OSTI ID: 4342882
• Report Number(s): ORNL--4873
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*COMMUNICATIONS-- PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
*ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES
*NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS-- ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES
ATMOSPHERIC EXPLOSIONS
CIVIL DEFENSE
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES
N42500 --Engineering--Nuclear Explosions
N46300* --Instrumentation--Radiation Effects on Instrument Components
Instruments
or Electronic Systems