Simulating the Electrical Effects of Nuclear Detonations

Abstract

Deployment by the enemy of a nuclear defense system subjects flight hardware to a new transient form characterized by high amplitude and short rise time. The parameters of the waveform can be derived from the anticipated enemy defense model and the deployment capabilities of the attacking system. These parameters can be shown as iso-E max contours with range and time significance. A method is presented for developing, in the laboratory, test signals which are significant in determining the response of attacking hardware to the anticipated defense environment. Various candidate circuits are discussed in steady-state, pulse-train, and single-pulse test environments. Design impedances are shown to be relatively unimportant as the ground plane becomes an effective part of the circuit. Currents developed simultaneously in circuits and shields are compared. Methods of extrapolation are presented with respect to amplitude, far-field effects, and duration of transient. Large-scale testing facilities are shown to have the same inherent limitations as small laboratory test setups. Both generate near-field environments and depend on the maintenance of an air testing medium. When a substantial volume of the air medium is replaced by the metal structure of the test specimen the environment becomes distorted, in a way not relatable to the distortion of the far-field environment by a vehicle in flight. Large-scale facilities have instrumentation and readout problems. Leads frequently pick up interference which wipes out the response of the intended sensitive pickup element.