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Title: Nuclear electromagnetic pulse and the electric power system

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5718083

A single, high-altitude nuclear detonation over the continental United States can expose large geographic areas to transient, electromagnetic pulse (EMP). The initial electromagnetic fields produced by this event have been defined as high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP). Later-time, low frequency fields have been defined as magnetohydrodynamic-electromagnetic pulse (MHD-EMP). Nuclear detonations at, or near the surface of the earth can also produce transient EMP. These electromagnetic phenomena have been defined as source region electromagnetic pulse (SREMP). The Division of Electric Energy Systems (EES) of the United States Department of Energy (DOE) has formulated and implemented a Program Plan to assess the possible effects of the above nuclear EMP on civilian electric power systems. This unclassified research effort is under the technical leadership of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This paper presents a brief perspective of EMP phenomenology and important interaction issues for power systems based on research performed by Westinghouse Advanced Systems Technology as a principal subcontractor in the research effort.

Research Organization:
Westinghouse Electric Corp., East Pittsburgh, PA (USA). Advanced Systems Technology Div.
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
5718083
Report Number(s):
CONF-8505173-1; ON: DE85013600
Resource Relation:
Conference: Electric utility engineering conference, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 12 May 1985; Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English