Research Progress in Numerical Simulation of Environmental Parameters Generated by the High-Altitude Nuclear Explosions

Abstract

The environment generated in a high-altitude nuclear explosion (HANE) can cause damage to critical infrastructures, such as space vehicles, communication systems, and power systems. The mechanisms of the instantaneous and long-term environments caused by the HANE and their damage factors to the targets are analyzed. Research works on the numerical simulation of the HANE environment by the author’s team in recent years have been introduced. Many key technologies on the numerical simulation are developed, such as the model of stripped region formation by X-ray peeling extra-nuclear electrons, the integration simulation of the early-time and intermediate-time high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) based on the current source provided by the Monte Carlo (MC) method, the model of asymmetric fireball evolution, the model of debris movement and the atmospheric ionization by delayed radiation, and the model of electron injection and diffusion loss in the artificial radiation belt. The numerical simulation method for HANE is presented, including the instantaneous environments (such as nuclear radiation, X-ray, HEMP, and optical radiation) and the long-term environments (such as debris, additional ionosphere, and artificial radiation belt). The environmental parameters of the HANE under typical height of burst (HOB) and yield are given. The characteristics and laws of the HANE environment are summarized.