Improvised Explosive Devices in Iraq:Countermeasures using an
Energetic Electron Beam
MIDN 1/C GonzalesMIDN 1/C Reichl
United States Naval AcademyMechanical Engineering Department
2006
Advisors:Prof. Martin Nelson, Mechanical Engineering Department
Visiting Prof. James Ziegler, Aerospace Engineering Department
This work has been supported by:Scott StewardU. S. Department of DefenseNaval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology DivisionNaval Support Facility Indian Head
Current Project Status• Beam extracted through thick Be window.
• Beam current about 50 nA/cm2
• Seven EOD targets destroyed with less than 200nC in less than 5 seconds.
• Targets shown to be destroyed by beams as low as 3 MeV.
Current goal is extraction through very thin window to allow beam to neutralize electronics at 30’.
Experiments with e-Zapper
Some targets packed with shot-gun shells and bullets to simulate nearby explosives.
Temperature rise in explosives calculated to be less than 1 oC.
No detonation was noted for beam currents >10x that which deactivated the electronics.
Experiments with e-Zapper
Project Statement
• 18-25 MeV electron beam– Effective Range = 270 feet– Uses a linear accelerator (LINAC)– LINAC vacuum = 10-9 Torr
Project concerns Exit window for E-beam from vacuum to atmosphere.a
Linear Accelerator
Plasma Window
• Developed by Acceleron Inc. and by Brookhaven National Laboratory
This device is under active investigation by the Naval Research Labs. Their preliminary report is due by 1/1/2007.
Hollow Rotating Shaft
• Combination of:– Metal barrier– Hollow rotating shaft