Researchers have found a new concrete formula that can shield electronics from electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks.
The chances of an EMP attack are very low but it is not impossible. However, it is good to know that researchers have a solution that protects electronics from such an attack.
EMP Attacks
The effects of EMP were first discovered in the 1960s when a thermonuclear bomb was detonated in the mid-Pacific. The bomb knocked off electronics as far away as Hawaii. Previously, many scientists had theorized that a nuclear explosion could generate powerful electromagnetic energy, which could affect electronic circuits but the bomb detonation confirmed the theory.
Some experts believe that enemies of the United States can detonate a nuclear bomb in low-Earth orbit over the United States, which will affect military and defense electronics and in turn affect the country's communication system.
Who Discovered The Technology?
Christopher Tuan and Lim Nguyen, engineers at the University of Nebraska, have successfully found a cost-effective conductive concrete, which will shield electronics against EMP attacks.
Tuan, a professor of civil engineering, says that their research results are important as the concrete mix includes an ingredient, which dissipates EMP energy. The technology is very helpful to the construction industry, giving rise to many people becoming interested in the technology.
The engineers say that the technology of the concrete mix works by absorbing as well as reflecting electromagnetic waves. For the purpose of the research, the engineers used magnetite in the concrete mix. Magnetite has the ability to absorb microwaves.
Nguyen and Tuan say their solution is more effective when compared with other existing technologies. The engineers also claim that their concrete mix is more cost-effective than other shielding modes. Existing shielding methods need metal enclosures, which could be very expensive.
Who Should Use The Conductive Concrete Mix?
The engineering duo suggests that the concrete mix will not only help the country's defenses but it will protect facilities that hold important electronics like aircraft, data servers and more.
Per the current licensing agreement, exclusive rights to market the conductive concrete mix belong to American Business Continuity Group.
"Our proprietary construction methods, which incorporate the Nebraska-developed technology, enable us to construct high-strength, blast-resistant structures that exceed military electromagnetic shielding requirements," said Peter Fedele, the CEO of ABC Group. "Our prototype building has been well received as a new shielding construction material by leading experts in the EMP community."
The engineers are continuing their investigation about the application of the technology in other areas such as improving de-icing, radiant heating and anti-static flooring applications.
