Calculation of Radiated Signals from High-Altitude Nuclear Detonations by Use of a Three-Dimensional Distribution of Compton Electrons
Abstract
This Note presents the essential details of a three-dimensional method of calculating the radiated electromagnetic signal that is caused by magnetic deflections of a distribution of Compton electrons produced in the upper atmosphere by prompt gamma radiation from a high-altitude nuclear detonation or a series of detonations. The method differs from that previously developed for such calculations in that the solution is obtained from summing the radiation fields from the individual electrons in a three-dimensional volume instead of combining the individual electron motions to determine a time-and space-dependent current from which the radiation field is evaluated using a one- dimensional approximation to the solution of Maxwell equations. In the Note the effects of the time characteristics of the source gamma output, the effects of atmospheric scattering in reducing the coherent radiation from the Compton electrons, and the effect of residual atmospheric ionization (preionization) in reducing the observer signal amplitude are developed and illustrated numerically. The three-dimensional characteristics of the source are brought out in illustrative numerical examples. These examples give additional physical insight into the source characteristics and demonstrate the importance of scattering and atmospheric ionization, when present, in influencing the EMP amplitude/time characteristics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA114738
Entities
People
- Cullen M. Crain
Organizations
- RAND Corporation