The penetration of nuclear electromagnetic pulses (EMP) through shielded communication cables

In this paper, we investigate the penetration characteristics of short electromagnetic pulses generated by nuclear explosions (EMP) through communication cables. A model is developed for determining the transient currents and voltages induced within a long coaxial cable by a short electromagnetic pulse. The two cases of cables located above (aerial cables) and within a half-space lossy dielectric (buried cables) are considered. The induced sheath currents and internal voltages are computed in both frequency and time domains. The effects of different cable parameters as well as the angle of wave incidence have been investigated and discussed for both aerial and buried coaxial cables.