High-Altitude Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) Environment Simulation Public Health and Safety Considerations

Abstract

The existence of electromagnetic fields external to the working volumes of high-altitude nuclear electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) environment simulators has raised both environmental and public-health concerns regarding the safety of HEMP environment simulator operations. This report contains a review of what HEMP is, what its effects on defense systems are, and why and how HEMP environment simulation testing is conducted. The state of present knowledge concerning the external simulator fields and their possible effects on biological and electronic systems is summarized. Research initiatives are identified to aid in answering the most important questions regarding the continued environmental safety of HEMP simulator operations. These initiatives are intended to support (1) development of options for modification and/or relocation of HEMP environment simulator facilities and (2) determination of safe exposure levels for biological and electronic systems. Recommendations for specific DoD actions are given. HEMP Environment Simulation Testing Research Topics in ElectroBiological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields magnetic Effects Electromagnetic Compatibility of Electronic Systems.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA247534

Entities

People

  • Kendall Casey

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Defense Systems
  • Electric Fields
  • Electric Power
  • Electromagnetic Environments
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Electromagnetic Pulses
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Electromagnetic Shielding
  • Environment
  • Gamma Rays
  • High Altitude
  • Laboratory Animals
  • National Security
  • Public Health
  • Simulators
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Facilities

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics