Generating an EMP, sans nuclear weapon

[jasonroehm]

I remember that around a year ago there was a thread on this forum about generating an electromagnetic pulse without the nuclear blast that is usually associated with it. I was talking to a friend of mine the other day about the E-bombs that they've been talking about lately to generate an EMP and fry all of the electronics within a given area, and we were trying to grasp how the EMP would be generated. I know that someone gave a possible solution last year, but I can't remember the details. I tried a Google search and the only info I could find involved the use of nuclear weapons to do so. Anyone with more info on this topic?

Also, a followup question. As I understand it, these weapons generate enormous electric and magnetic fields, with the electric fields applying huge voltages to circuits, along with the large amount of time rate of change of magnetic flux to induce even larger voltages, until all of the circuits smoke out. Is this a decent (poor man's) summary?

 

[RyanM]

Here we go. There are two types typically used - Carbon filament bombs, and EMP bombs.

Carbon Filament Bombs:

"A NONLETHAL WEAPON (NLW) in the form of a LASER GUIDED WEAPON consisting of a bomb that disperses numerous (100 - 200) canisters, each retarded in descent by a small parachute, and which eject spools of carbon which unravel and overlap to form carbon webs that are intended to drape over target power lines to cause a surge of current which will shut down the plant without damaging toxin-filled transformers. [] Also called CARBON BOMB."

These are the kind that were used in Iraq. Then there's....

Flux compression generators:

A type of explosive generator that relies on the principle of conservation of flux. Roughly, the device consists of a solenoid, a capacitor or battery or other method to energize the solenoid, and explosive charges to compress the solenoid.
In operation, the solenoid is energized, creating a magnetic field running through it. The explosive are then detonated, compressing the solenoid. Since the total magnetic flux through the solenoid tends to be conserved, this causes an enormous current to form in the solenoid. Typically, they generate currents on order of 60 times the initial current for a few milliseconds.

Flux compression generators can be staged, with each on energizing the next stage. This is useful where truly massive currents are required, such as an EMP bomb.

Now you know.

 

[Yossarian451]

Originally posted by: MachFive
Here we go. There are two types typically used - Carbon filament bombs, and EMP bombs.

Carbon Filament Bombs:

"A NONLETHAL WEAPON (NLW) in the form of a LASER GUIDED WEAPON consisting of a bomb that disperses numerous (100 - 200) canisters, each retarded in descent by a small parachute, and which eject spools of carbon which unravel and overlap to form carbon webs that are intended to drape over target power lines to cause a surge of current which will shut down the plant without damaging toxin-filled transformers. [] Also called CARBON BOMB."

These are the kind that were used in Iraq. Then there's....

Flux compression generators:

A type of explosive generator that relies on the principle of conservation of flux. Roughly, the device consists of a solenoid, a capacitor or battery or other method to energize the solenoid, and explosive charges to compress the solenoid.
In operation, the solenoid is energized, creating a magnetic field running through it. The explosive are then detonated, compressing the solenoid. Since the total magnetic flux through the solenoid tends to be conserved, this causes an enormous current to form in the solenoid. Typically, they generate currents on order of 60 times the initial current for a few milliseconds.

Flux compression generators can be staged, with each on energizing the next stage. This is useful where truly massive currents are required, such as an EMP bomb.

Now you know.

A simple explanation of what he said is a coil around a stick of dynamite. I am extremely interested in this subject as well. While I have thought of making one of these before, obvious reason have kept me from doing it. But also, and I am sorry i don't have the link, i read an article a little while back whic talked about a similar effect used by the government that used high power sources which used (iirc) a microwave type blast which basiclly could create emp. The only thing was that the charge just goes out and as random as lightning it will zap something and follow a path, but they have no way of controlling it to make it hit certain objects.

 

[Yossarian451]

also, you are right the blast overpowers the circuits, but you can also sheild electrical circuits from these kinds of blasts. In fact most of the critical electrical infrastructure, and militaryinfrastructure, has been retrofited and installed with the sheilding to block out and protect from the possible threat of an emp attack.

 

[RyanM]

Actually, it's more like a coil surrounded by explosives. The coil has to be compressed by the explosion.

 

[silverpig]

There was an article posted in OT somewhere about this kid who made an EMP gun out of a hair dryer and went around his neighbourhood frying people's TVs and computers... That'd be some cool stuff to have

 

[Smilin]

Hey I just wanted to let you guys know there's an article on this over at http://www.howstuffworks.com.