Engines and EMP

EMP destroys electronics so older tractors, cars, and pickups without any computer control shouldn't have a problem. Of course the next problem might be getting fuel for them if the pumps are all out of order, but a creative looter should be able to overcome this with out to much difficulty.
Kirk

 

I think your referring too....Electro magnetic Pulse energy, are you not??? I don't don't necessarily agree with your Hypothesis that...."ALL" engines will be "fried". I can make a connection between the idea that the Power grid will Pickup a certain amount of the Pulse and then that will in turn be transmitted over the Grid into every electrical appliance that is plugged into the grid Distribution system. But, a diesel tractor sitting in a field with no physical connection to the grid would NOT be effected by an EM Pulse. It also depends on the epicenter of the energy pulse, the initial Quantity of energy present, the distance from the Event to the outlying areas , etc. Obviously, the amount of energy transfer is inversely proportional to the distance between the source and the receipent. The closer you get to the fire the Hotter it gets type of thing. Also, you could have an intense energy field concentrated in a small area geographically ....BUT....NOT have A 100% transfer of that energy into the Power grid system. Any given set of power lines is ONLY capable of carrying a maximum power load based upon the engineering design when constructed........fordy

 

I'm not panicking but the way I understand it is a nuclear blast will generate a significant EMP---enough to scramble the brains of a computer or any other kind of digital device. Its also my understanding that China has developed a nuke specifically for its EMP yield. I don't remember where I heard that. It would wreak havoc because everything digital is vulnerable, including brainboxes for cars.

 

<<Its also my understanding that China has developed a nuke specifically for its EMP yield. >>

wow the chinese really know where to hit us! then we'd have to replace all our electronics. they could sell em to us.

 

The russians are, more than likely , are the ONLY folks that Might have a Nuke of the EMP type, if it exists.
In reality, we all have alot more to fear from a Mega Burst of radiation from the SUN than we do from a Nuke. If the Magnetic force field surrounding the Earth goes to 0 or decreases significantly, we loose the replusive\protective shield of that force and the power grid is subjected to the detrimential effects of extra large doses of radiation from the SUN. ...........fordy :worship:

 

Well might as well get my two cents in. While working for nasa we determined that such a pulse would indeed occur; but it is rather doubtful that a pulse could be generated by a single device in such a way to blanket the country.
It should also be noted that the so called dirty bombs we have been warned about is a misnomer. They seem to think that what they are trying to assemble is nuclear material to be spread by a conventional explosion. This would indeed be lethal in the immediate area of detonation but there would be no pulse and little or no radiation spread except on pervailing winds and then limited. Vehicles with old tech (prior to 1978) should function. If you are truly afraid of this buy some extra parts and store them in a "tempest room" which should protect them and install after danger of additional attack is over

 

I believe that it is far more likely to suffer a emp as a result of a CME (coronal mass ejection) than from a nuclear blast even one from a height of 200 miles I haven't figured the effects of such a blast lately but several things factor in to the equation rather heavily such as terrain, shape of the charge, nuclear material involved, etc. There is also the question of hardening of electronics against such emps. Which is possible to do to a large degree

 

Isn't it also Possible that a major cataclymisic(sp) volcanic eruption that ejects a sufficient quantity of material into the upper atmosphere could ALSO duplicate the same effects as an EMP from a nuke?????????

 

Thats a good point fordy about volcanic eruptions. I listened to a book on the eruption of krakatoa and compasses were effected several thousands of miles away from the event.

 

I believe Krakotoa happened in 1815 and 1816 was known as 'The Year of No Summer'. Enough ash and soot remained suspened in the atmosphere to where sunlight through it was reduced. In much of the northern half of the U.S. at least it still snowed into mid-summer and fall came early. Almost no crops were grown. Then a year with fresh produce supply was manageable. What would happen today with one year of no grain or corn produced?

Ken S. in WC TN

 

I suppose if this really keeps you up at night you could park your vehicles in an all metal building that was well grounded as for lightning rods. Essentially you would have a Faraday cage. As with lightning though it would not be guaranteed to work but would be a realistic option.
As for fuel, if plants will still grow we can run gas and diesel engines with out any major problems. Guess you will have to switch to wood if you use propane to fuel something.