Is it possible to make a portable and re-usable EMP device ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of creating a portable and reusable electromagnetic pulse (EMP) device as part of a college assignment. Participants explore the theoretical aspects of EMPs, the practical challenges involved, and the implications of such a project.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using superconducting wire and strong magnets to create an EMP, but expresses uncertainty about the necessity and function of these components.
  • Another participant raises ethical concerns about the potential dangers of designing an EMP device, particularly its effects on life-critical devices like pacemakers.
  • There is a discussion about the practicality of building such a device, with one participant questioning the feasibility for a college student and suggesting that simpler projects, like a radio device, might be more appropriate.
  • Some participants express interest in the theoretical aspects of EMPs for educational purposes, despite acknowledging the legal implications of creating such a device.
  • One participant notes that they are unaware of the legal restrictions surrounding EMP devices and seeks clarification on the effects of radio devices using electromagnetic radiation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that creating a portable EMP device poses significant ethical and practical challenges. However, there is no consensus on the theoretical aspects of EMPs or the appropriateness of pursuing such a project for educational purposes.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the legal implications of creating EMP devices, with some expressing uncertainty about the availability of necessary components. There is also a lack of clarity regarding the technical requirements for building an EMP device, such as the need for cryogenic cooling for superconductors.

Muhammad1993
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I have an assignment at college and my teacher has been bugging everyone for weeks telling us how we are not ready for the real world, i understand where he is coming from but id like to make something special as my last assignment just to show him that at least i am capable if not anyone else in the class.

From what i understand already you need superconducting wire wrapped around a tube which will need some strong magnets on either side of the wire, but the article i found on the internet did not explain at all why i would need these or even if this is true

can someone please help my situation, i am a layman and don't have extensive knowledge but i am definitely willing to buy a book to help me and have already bough electronic circuits fundamentals

So the real question is how do i make an EMP (possible a device that emits a field, or is that just a series of pulses in high frequency ) ( please don't say from a nuclear explosion that helps no one =] ) preferably portable and reusable
:) thanks guys
 
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Isn't this basically a weapon? What if you actually could design one of these, and then let it off around a life critical device that you didn't even know was there? What if your teacher has a pacemaker and you give him a heart attack with your EMP pulse?

Anyway, I don't think there will be much luck designing this. For example, you talk about superconducting wire, but do you understand that most materials need to be cryogenically cooled to be superconducting?

Also, I think law enforcement and military would have these devices if they were practical and feasible enough for a college student to put together.

I think building a simple radio device would be a more reasonable project that still uses EM radiation.
 
Sorry i didnt mean to come out as oblivious in my previous post, i understand pacemakers, hearing aids etc would be affected.

did not know it was illegal but thanks for telling me :)

would a radio device that uses EM radiation still have the same effect ?

I would still be interested in the theory behind a EMP purely for educational purposes though, like you said its illegal i guess that means i can't find the things i need for it in the shops anyways right ?
Thanks for writing back hope you can answer my more practical question, and still the theory behind my old question :)
 
Muhammad1993 said:
Sorry i didnt mean to come out as oblivious in my previous post, i understand pacemakers, hearing aids etc would be affected.

did not know it was illegal but thanks for telling me :)

would a radio device that uses EM radiation still have the same effect ?

I would still be interested in the theory behind a EMP purely for educational purposes though, like you said its illegal i guess that means i can't find the things i need for it in the shops anyways right ?
Thanks for writing back hope you can answer my more practical question, and still the theory behind my old question :)

I don't know anything about EMPs other than what I've seen in movies. I just know that a small radio is a more civil application of EM radiation and basically has the same principles, with less power and less bandwidth and your teacher would probably be proven wrong if you did a good design of it :-)
 
We do not discuss dangerous or illegal activities at the PF. Thread is closed.
 

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