Theoretical and experimental investigation of the field dynamics of an EMP simulator

The dynamics of the electric and magnetic field levels associated with the Defence Research Establishment Electromagnetic Pulse Simulator (DREMS), a 10-m-long, 20-m-wide, 90-m-long parallel-plate EMP simulator, is investigated. The simulator is constructed with 51 wires in both the top and bottom plates, and has a working volume which can easily accommodate a communication van, tank, or helicopter. Field levels are calculated in and around (⩽1.5 km) the simulator and are compared with experimental results. The comparison shows that a good correlation is obtained. It is shown that, because of various effects, the field dynamics are far from simple. Use of the information presented allows optimization of the position of a test object in the simulator and minimization of interaction with outside facilities and personnel