High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) Empirical Effects

The work to be performed includes vulnerability testing for a limited number of existing electronic systems to determine the effectiveness of different waveform parameters, with the objective of determining a waveform that meets both appropriate Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) constraints and effectiveness requirements for an HPEM weapon system to validate modeling tools and techniques. This testing includes preparation of a test plan describing instrumentation and sensors to be used, employment of best practices and industry standards in RF instrumentation and measurement science for the instrumentation, cables, sensors, etc. themselves, and post experiment reporting of results. This includes capturing effects and waveform data and adding to a database. The work also includes identifying new targets, developing surrogate electronic systems for testing, purchasing representative electronic subsystems, developing functional fault trees, building probability of effect (Pe) curves for the electronic subsystems, and planning and support outdoor effects tests to characterize weapon effectiveness.

To a lesser degree, the work will include research into fundamental effects mechanisms and building predictive tools that encapsulate the results of this research, with the aim of predicting the effectiveness of HPEM waveforms and augmenting empirical testing and modeling. Work will also include the development, and testing of emerging technologies and state-of-the-art HPEM technologies to collect vulnerability data for novel waveforms and characterize their weapon effectiveness. The work will also include performing effectiveness modeling, including developing, executing and validating computational models to assess the effectiveness and military utility of an HPEM weapon, characterizing collateral damage, developing recuperation time models, and performing trade studies to compare different HPEM weapons and ultimately develop a functional and representative Joint Munitions Effectiveness Manual (JMEM) tool.

This work will provide data, information, and input that will be used to develop, identify, and integrate new and existing software and hardware for Battle Damage Assessment and Recuperation Time (B-DART) including developing novel Battle Damage Indicators (BDIs) for an HPEM engagement.

Specifically, this work falls within the Directed Energy Directorate’s High Power Electromagnetic Division, Effects Program (AFRL/RDH), Kirtland AFB, New Mexico.