William Prather seminar: March 29

March 29, 2024

An Introduction to the Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse

William Prather, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, NM

3:00 pm, ECE Building, Room 118
Online Guests: Contact Prof. Osiński <osinski@chtm.unm.edu> for a Zoom link

Abstract: High-altitude nuclear electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) has been recognized as a threat to electrical and electronic equipment since the early 1960s. It is becoming increasingly important today because of the growing global nuclear threat and the increased dependence of all of our forces on computers and electronic systems to carry out their mission. The purpose of this talk is to describe the phenomenon of HEMP, the effect it has on aircraft, and the methods used for hardening and testing modern aircraft.

Bio: Dr. William Prather received the BSEE and MSEE degrees from the University of New Mexico in 1970 and 1975 respectively. He worked at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland AFB from 1970 until his retirement in 2018. Since then, he has continued to support nuclear effects programs as a member of the Emeritus Corps. His special interests include EMP simulation, interaction and coupling, aircraft EMP hardening design, and the development of CW test methods for measuring system shielding. He has been very active in writing FAA and Military Standards and Handbooks for the design of protection of aircraft and Navy ships against EM Hazards. Mr. Prather is the recipient of the Peter Haas Award and the Carl Baum Medal. He is a Fellow of the EMP Society, a Senior Member of IEEE, a member of URSI Commission E and a member of Eta Kappa Nu.