A Survey of Preventive and Remediating Mitigations for High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse Impacts on the United States Electric Power Grid.
Abstract not provided.
Garrett, Richard↗
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Synthesis of Nanosecond Ultrawideband Radiation Pulses
The synthesis of electromagnetic pulses with an extended spectrum by summing pulses of different duration in free space has been studied. The radiation spectrum has been estimated analytically for a 4-element array of combined antennas excited by bipolar voltage pulses of duration 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 ns. It has been shown experimentally that radiation with a spectral width of more than three octaves can be produced using a 2×2 array of combined antennas excited by bipolar pulses of duration 2 and 3 ns.
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
Port Impedance Measurement and Current Injection Response Analysis for PLCs
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are used to control devices throughout the power system since they have fast control capabilities and can utilize multiple types of communication interfaces. Therefore, studying and mitigating their vulnerabilities to electromagnetic pulse is important for the reliability of PLC operations. Here, in this paper, an effective impedance measurement scheme is proposed and demonstrated for three PLCs to estimate their susceptibility to an electromagnetic pulse. The equivalent non-uniform transmission line model is established to eliminate the impact of the fixture in the de-embedding process. Then different parameters of the impedance measurement setup are explored. Based on the measured impedance, the equivalent circuit is established to calculate the response of the device when subjected to the electromagnetic pulse. The voltage and current responses of different interfaces are compared utilizing the developed pulsed Current Injection (CI) method. Finally, the impedance measurement scheme is verified through testing using three measuring instruments. And the CI simulation experiments reveal the characteristics and susceptibilities of different PLCs interfaces, indicating that some protection measures are required for the reliable operation of the PLC.
42 ENGINEERING↗
PLC-based Impedance Measurement and Current Injection Response Analysis
Studying and mitigating the vulnerabilities of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to electromagnetic pulse is important for the reliability of the power system. In this paper, an effective impedance measurement scheme is proposed to estimate the susceptibility of PLCs to an electromagnetic pulse. The equivalent non-uniform transmission line model is established to eliminate the impact of the fixture in the de-embedding process. Based on the measured impedance, the equivalent circuit is established to calculate the response of the device when subjected to the electromagnetic pulse. The voltage and current responses of different interfaces are compared utilizing the developed pulse Current Injection (CI) method. Finally, the impedance measurement scheme is verified through testing using three measuring instruments. And the CI simulation experiments reveal the characteristics and susceptibilities of different PLCs interfaces, indicating that some protection measures are required for the reliable operation of PLC.
Qiu, Wei↗
Multi-barrier wellbore integrity inspection system with eccentricity correction
A downhole inspection system includes a neutron imaging device operable to generate data for detecting potential wellbore anomalies and an electromagnetic imaging device operable to generate data for detecting potential wellbore eccentricity. The neutron imaging device includes a neutron generator operable to emit neutrons, and a neutron detector fixed relative to the neutron generation unit and operable to detect backscattered neutrons from a surrounding environment. The electromagnetic imaging device includes at least one transmitter for generating electromagnetic pulse, and at least one receiver for detecting returning electromagnetic pulse. Correlation of the neutron imaging data with the electromagnetic imaging data provides additional data regarding the potential wellbore anomalies.
Kasten, Ansas Matthias↗
Vacuum nonlinear electrodynamic polarization effects in hard emission of pulsars and magnetars
The nonlinear electrodynamics influence of pulsar magnetic field on the electromagnetic pulse polarization is discussed from the point of observation interpretation. The calculations of pulsar magnetic field impact on the electromagnetic pulse polarization are made in such a way to make it easier to interpret these effects in space experiments. The law of hard emission pulse propagation in the pulsar magnetic field according to the vacuum (nonlinear electrodynamics is obtained. It has been shown, that due to the birefringence in the vacuum the front part of any hard emission pulse coming from a pulsar should be linearly polarized and the rest of pulse can have arbitrary polarization. The observational possibilities of vacuum birefringence are discussed. In this paper we give the estimations of detector parameters such as effective area, exposure time and necessity of polarization measurements with high accuracy. The combination of large area and extremely long exposure time gives the good opportunity to search the fine polarization effects like vacuum nonlinear electrodynamics birefringence.
79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
Diffusion Models to Construct a First Principles Multipole-Based Cable Braid Model for Conducting Wires in the Time Domain
We describe here diffusion models apt to construct a multipole-based, cable braid time domain model for conducting wires. Implementation details of both a ladder network valid for time-domain signals with all frequency content and an approximate single-stage circuit valid for low-frequency dominated time signals (such as electromagnetic pulses) are reported. This time domain model can be leveraged to treat system-generated electromagnetic pulse events, as well as used to further confirm the correctness of the multipole-based, cable braid frequency domain model.
42 ENGINEERING↗
One and Two Dimensional Quantum Lattice Algorithms for Maxwell Equations in Inhomogeneous Scalar Dielectric Media. II: Simulations
Long time quantum lattice algorithm (QLA) simulations are performed for the mul- tiple reflection-transmission of an initial electromagnetic pulse propagating normally to a boundary layer region joining two media of different refractive index. For these one dimensional (1D) sim- ulations, there is excellent agreement between x-, y- and z- representations, as well as very good agreement with nearly all the standard plane wave boundary condition results for reflection and transmission off a dielectric discontinuity. In the QLA simulation, no boundary conditions are im- posed at the continuous, but sharply increasing, dielectic boundary layers. Two dimensional (2D) QLA scattering simulations in the x-z plane are performed for an electromagnetic pulse interacting with a conical dielectric obstacle for the 8-16 qubit model.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
Phenomena of synchronized response in biosystems and the possible mechanism
Highlights: • An electrical communication mechanism is proposed to explain synchronization phenomena in biosystems. • The soliton-like electromagnetic pulses generated by the transmembrane ionic current are the carriers of information. • The softmaterial waveguide based on lipid membrane and fluids on both sides construct the transmission network. Phenomena of synchronized response is common among organs, tissues and cells in biosystems. We have analyzed and discussed three examples of synchronization in biosystems, including the direction-changing movement of paramecia, the prey behavior of flytraps, and the simultaneous discharge of electric eels. These phenomena and discussions support an electrical communication mechanism that in biosystems, the electrical signals are mainly soliton-like electromagnetic pulses, which are generated by the transient transmembrane ionic current through the ion channels and propagate along the dielectric membrane-based softmaterial waveguide network to complete synchronized responses. This transmission model implies that a uniform electrical communication mechanism might have been naturally developed in biosystem.
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
Broadband Characterization and Circuit Model Development of Transmission-Scale Transformers
This report describes broadband measurements of transmission-scale transformers typical in the electric power grid. This work was performed as part of the EMP Resilient Grid LDRD project at Sandia National Laboratories to generate circuit models that can be used for high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) coupling simulations and response predictions. The objective of the work was to obtain characterization data of substation yard equipment across a frequency range relevant to HEMP. Vector network analyzer measurements up to 100 MHz were performed on two power transformers at ABB-Hitachi and a single ITEC potential transformer. Custom cable breakouts were designed to interface with the transformer terminals and provide ground connections to the chassis at the base of the transformer bushings. The three-phase terminals of the power transformers were measured as a common mode impedance using a parallel resistive splitter, and the single-phase terminals of the potential transformer were measured directly. A vector fitting algorithm was used to empirically fit circuit models to the resulting two-port networks and input impedances of the measured objects. Simplified circuit representations of the input impedances were also generated to assess the degree of precision needed for high-altitude electromagnetic pulse response predictions, which were performed in Sandia's XYCE circuit simulator platform. HEMP coupling simulations using the transformer models showed significant reduction in the voltage peak and broadening in the pulse width seen at the power transformer compared to the traveling wave voltage. This indicated the importance of the load condition when defining the coupled insult in an electric power substation. Simplified circuit models showed a similar voltage at the transformer with a smoothed waveform. The presence of potential transformers in the simulation did not significantly change the simulated voltage at the power transformer. Single-port input impedance models were also developed to define load conditions when transfer characteristics were not necessary.
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
Immunity Study: Port Impedance Measurement of PMU and PCI testing under EMP
With the increased requirements of real-time grid monitoring, disturbance location, and situation awareness, Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) have become more critical for the Wide Area Measurement System (WAMS). However, the vulnerability of PMUs has not been well studied, especially under electromagnetic pulse (EMP) scenarios. The stable operation of the power system will be affected directly once EMP damages them. Therefore, studying their immunity to EMP events is urgent and necessary. In this paper, the effective impedance measurement scheme and pulsed current injection (PCI) testing are proposed for the port impedance measurement and immunity levels of PMUs. The equivalent non-uniform transmission line model is established to eliminate the impact of the fixture in the de-embedding process. Then, the circuit of the pulsed current generator is set to generate a damping sinusoid, and the double exponential wave is applied to the port. Finally, using measured impedance as a generator load, the voltage and current responses of different ports are calculated in the PCI testing simulation. In conclusion, results reveal the characteristics of port impedance, waveforms of voltage and current, and distribution of accumulative energy. The relation between port impedance and the waveforms is discussed.
42 ENGINEERING↗
Elastic Scattering of Ultrashort Laser Pulses on Noble Gas Atoms
The work deals with a theoretical investigation of elastic scattering of ultrashort electromagnetic pulses (USP) on the noble gas atoms in the far ultra-violet and soft X-ray regions. The investigation is performed within the framework of a dipole approximation and the first-order quantum-mechanics perturbation theory. Major attention is given to the study of the dependence of the total probability of scattering within the pulse time on the USP duration at different carrying frequency values. It is shown that at certain values of the problem parameters this dependence is nonlinear. The calculations are performed for the corrected Gaussian pulses and wavelet pulses without the carrying frequency.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
On the Number of Photons in a Classical Electromagnetic Field
Relations determining the number of photons in an electromagnetic field are considered from the point of view of a classical electromagnetic field. A relativistically invariant expression is obtained for the number of emitted photons in terms of charges and currents producing the electromagnetic field. Examples are considered for calculating the numbers of photons in the electromagnetic field for the case of the electric dipole radiation field, as well as the field of a finite and spatially restricted electromagnetic pulse.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
Numerical Modeling of Ultra Wideband Combined Antennas
With the help of a program we developed, based on the finite difference method in the time domain, we have investigated the characteristics of ultra wideband combined antennas in detail. The antennas were developed to radiate bipolar pulses with durations in the range 0.5–3 ns. Data obtained by numerical modeling are compared with the data of experimental studies on antennas and have been used in the synthesis of electromagnetic pulses with maximum field strength.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
Modification of Structural, Chemical and Process Properties of Rare Metal Minerals under Treatment by High-Voltage Nanosecond Pulses
The authors have studied the mechanism of controlled modification of composition, structure, chemistry, physicochemical and process properties of columbite, tantalite, zircon and feldspar at the meso-, micro- and nanoscales after nonthermal treatment by high-voltage nanosecond electromagnetic pulses. The studies used methods: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron and atomic force microscopy, potentiometric titration, electromigration chromatography, Kelvin probe force microscopy, microhardness metering and assessment of hydrophobic behavior and flotation activity of the minerals. It is found that changes in the chemical state of atoms on the surface of minerals are mainly connected with the sequential transformation of stages in the process of formation and modification of a functional cover of mineral surface, with variation in a ratio of different type hydroxyl groups on the surface of columbite, zircon and feldspar, which conditions contrast physicochemical properties of rare metal minerals and improves selectivity of their separation by flotation.
77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
Self-Similar Character of Generation of Superradiance Pulses in an Electron–Wave Backward Wave Oscillator
The phenomenon of superradiance of electron bunches provides a promising method for generating high-power ultrashort electromagnetic pulses. In the present paper, it is shown that the equations describing the interaction between an electron beam and an electromagnetic wave in a BWO-type oscillator admit a self-similar solution that describes an amplifying and compressing pulse. It is demonstrated by numerical simulation that the generation of short superradiance pulses is of self-similar character at the initial stage of the transient process. The specific features of the main characteristics of such pulses (the amplitude and width of a pulse and the coordinates of its maximum) are investigated as a function of time and control parameters. It is shown that, after a transient process, the solution reaches the self-similar stage, where the pulse amplitude and the inverse of its squared width grow linearly with time.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
Tiny Electromagnetic Explosions
This paper considers electromagnetic transients of a modest total energy (E≳10{sup 40} erg) and small initial size (R≳10{sup −1} cm). They could be produced during collisions between relativistic field structures (e.g., macroscopic magnetic dipoles) that formed around or before cosmic electroweak symmetry breaking. The outflowing energy has a dominant electromagnetic component; a subdominant thermal component (temperature >1 GeV) supplies inertia in the form of residual e{sup ±}. A thin shell forms, expanding subluminally and attaining a Lorentz factor ∼10{sup 6--7} before decelerating. Drag is supplied by the reflection of an ambient magnetic field and deflection of ambient free electrons. Emission of low-frequency (GHz–THz) superluminal waves takes place through three channels: (i) reflection of the ambient magnetic field; (ii) direct linear conversion of the embedded magnetic field into a superluminal mode; and (iii) excitation outside the shell by corrugation of its surface. The escaping electromagnetic pulse is very narrow (a few wavelengths), so the width of the detected transient is dominated by propagation effects. GHz radio transients are emitted from (i) the dark matter halos of galaxies and (ii) the near-horizon regions of supermassive black holes that formed via direct gas collapse and now accrete slowly. Brighter and much narrower 0.01–1 THz pulses are predicted at a rate at least comparable to fast radio bursts, experiencing weaker scattering and absorption. The same explosions also accelerate protons up to ∼10{sup 19} eV, and heavier nuclei up to 10{sup 20–21} eV.
79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
EMP Coupling to a Straight Conductor Above Ground: Transmission Line Formulation Based on Electromagnetic Reciprocity
A simple model for coupling of an electromagnetic plane wave incident on a conductor above ground has been developed using reciprocity theory, providing some advantages as compared to the conventional transmission line approach. The model is developed using a semi-infinitely long single conductor above a lossy ground plane and connected by an arbitrary load impedance to a vertical grounding conductor. This configuration corresponds to the worst-case wave coupling, because it leads to a line induced current larger than in the cases of finite and multiconductor lines. A frequency-domain Thévenin equivalent model is developed to relate the incident wave amplitude to the voltage across a generic load, connected at any point on the vertical conductor. The application to the threat analysis of a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse impact on a power transmission line is discussed by considering the time-domain solution (via inverse Fourier transform) for an incident EMP fast-rise transient (E1) waveshape, following the standard IEC specifications. For typical high-voltage power line load impedances, it is shown that voltage magnitudes in the MV range can be induced across the line termination, in the case of a wave with a near-grazing incidence angle and with wave vector aligned along the horizontal conductor.
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗