Differences Between Lightning and Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse Interactions

Abstract

Some important differences between the system interaction of electromagnetic transients from lightning (LEMP) and from high altitude nuclear explosions (HEMP) are discussed. Interactions with both small systems, such as aircraft, and large systems, such as electric powergrids, are considered. Factors such as lightning channel attachment and the relatively local nature of the lightning excitation are contrasted with the broad-area effects of the HEMP interaction. It is concluded that although protective approaches and techniques for LEMP and HEMP an often similar, the two phenomena are sufficiently different that protection against one does not necessarily imply protection against the other. © 1988 IEEE