Theory of the High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse
Abstract
The thesis consitutes a microscopic approach to the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) caused by a high altitude nuclear weapon burst. This approach involves the detailed calculations for the time-dependent electromagnetic fields of a single relativistic, Compton electron created in the upper atmosphere by the gamma radiation from the weapon detonation. The effect of all such electrons created is superimposed to obtain the net effect or the EMP measured by an observer. The basic theory developed ignores the conductivity which builds up in the surrounding air. This is shown to be a relatively good assumption for weapons with gamma radiation yields less than a kiloton.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0777846
Entities
People
- John R. Lillis
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology