1. Electromagnetic Pulse
Charles Schwab, Taylor Weaver
Summer Bridge 2011
Dr. Rahman Tashakkori, Dr. Barry Kurtz
Appalachian State University
Electromagnetic Pulse

2. Overview
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)- a broadband, high-intensity, short-duration burst of electromagnetic energy.
EMP disables all electronics in range of the burst.
Protection is limited

3. History First tested in 1960’s during Cold War “Project Fishbowl”
Nuclear EMP

4. Physics (nuclear)
Compton Effect
Compton Current

5. Non-nuclear EMP generation
Flux compression generator
Electromagnetic pinch device

6. Effects
A detonation 30,000 feet above Kansas could potentially black out the entire country
Non-nuclear EMPs have a smaller blast radius
The pulse created will knock out any and all electronics, such as vehicle control systems, communications, and all electrical currents

7. Protection Very limited Easiest method: simply unplug all electronics
Faraday Box

8. Summary EMPs neutralize electronics, shorting them out
Gamma rays produced by burst collide with atoms creating Compton Effect and Current
If detonated at high enough altitude, could potentially black out the country
Protection is very limited