Numerical Simulation of the Intermediate-Time High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse

Abstract

Research works on high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) have attracted considerable attentions for its ability to disturb or damage the electronic and power systems. HEMP can be divided into the following three parts: early-time (E1), intermediate-time (E2), and late-time (E3). Most of the studies of HEMP are focused on E1, and few investigations have been done on E2 in the open literatures. However, the amplitude of E2 is about 10–100 V/m, and it is able to couple into the cables whose lengths are several kilometers. Therefore, E2 is also a threat to power systems. The simulation of E2, which can provide more accurate environmental parameters for research works on HEMP interactions with systems, is an important supplement to HEMP simulation. In this article, a numerical simulation method of E2 is presented which combines the Monte Carlo transport code and the 2-D EMP code to simulate both E1 and E2. In addition, the simulation results of E2 are given which are in qualitative agreement with the standard waveform. This work is helpful to fill the gap in the simulation of E2 at present and to simulate HEMP environment more accurately and completely.