Dirty Bombs and old diesels

[coachgeo]

well its a subject none of us like to think about butttttttt. What will a dirty bomb do to our old diesels? Fry the bat. alternator and starter? what about relays like for the headlights and glow plugs? etc etc.

Can we store any of that stuff in "something" to have for use if we are in ground zero of a dirty bomb attack. What would that "something" be? When would it be safe to use?

Dumb question to add to this. What about my mom's pacemaker?

[kamil]

can you give me a definition of a dirty bomb ? I think I'm thinking of something else than you are...

[PatrickW]

A "Dirty Bomb" won't do anything to our diesels, unless your close enough to maybe suck up some crud in the aircleaner. But if you're that close, you'll have other worries...

I believe your question deals with the EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) that is generated upon detonation of a nuclear warhead (not the same as a "Dirty Bomb"). This EMP is known to damage unshielded electronics.

In this case - depending upon the distance your car is from the blast - older cars (such as 240D's) would probably survive better than newer cars (such as CDI's) by virtue of having fewer complex electronic systems that would be damaged by an EMP.

- Patrick

[kamil]

I knew I was thinking of something different.

[MikeTangas]

I was under the impression that EMPs would only cook operating electronics. Perhaps that is only movie myth?

[leathermang]

Well, maybe you guys with ' newer' MB's should be researching " Faraday" shields....

[Jim H]

A changing magnetic field induces current flow in conductors through electromagnetic coupling.

It induces current a conductor, and if the current is too large, the conductor or connections melt, like 'blowing' a fuse.

It induces a voltage across the gap of a condutor, and if the voltage is too large, a spark will 'jump' across the gap, or from the conductor to ground, like lightning. The resulting current can then melt conductors and connection, as above.

This effect is used in power transformers, in which the current through the primary windings induces a voltage in the secondary windings. Every size, from large utility to doorbell transfomers behaves this way.

ElectroMagnetic induction is commonly used in gasser engines. Interrupting current in the primary coil induces a rapidly-change in the field (it collapses very fast) which induces 15-25,000 volts in the secndary coil. This is sufficient to bridge the gap of the spark plug, and other unintended gaps as well.

The A-bomb produces fast-changing electric and magnetic fields. The speed of change is like a spike, or pulse, thus the name Electo- Magnetic Pulse (EMP)

The magnetic pulse then induces transient currents and voltages in conductors. Solid-state devices have small (microscopic) distances between conductors, and thus are very susceptible to overvoltages. EMP will thus 'fry' or 'burn out' solid state devices that have not been designed to withstand overcurrents and overvoltages.

Diesel engines will not be affected, BUT solid state devices, perhaps alternator voltage regulators, electronic diesel controls, ACC control, etc. in the car may be damaged.

Remember to "Duck and Cover"

Best Regards,
Jim

[Wodnek]

The only thing an EMP would probably do our old MBs is drain the battery down to nothing. If it was running at the time it should stay running since it is mechanical injected and depends on nothing electrical.

[Fuzzball]

Hmmmm......If my Diesel is close enough to a dirty bomb....I'm not going to be worrying much about my car.....

Which is why I don't worry about it at all....worry is a wasted emotion and typically proves to be for naught.

[R Leo]

And, they're Y2K compliant!