Date of Submission

11-4-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Emergency Management

Department

Emergency Management

Advisor

Mariama Yakubu, University of New Haven

Committee Member

Jeff Triestman, University of New Haven

Committee Member

Ed Goldberg, Eversource, Inc.

Committee Member

Matt Van Benschoten, Roush Industries, Inc.

Keywords

Emergency Management Plan, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), Transportation Sector Vehicles, Vehicle Electronics, EMP Mitigation Countermeasures

LCSH

Emergency management, Weapons of mass destruction, Electromagnetic pulse

Abstract

A vulnerability exists in the U.S. to an attack from a nuclear weapon of mass destruction (WMD) optimized to generate an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) with potential for widespread damage to electrical components in the critical infrastructure including non-military (non-MIL) transportation sector vehicles. The purpose of this study was to develop a plan on how hazard risks from an EMP attack can be better understood for modern-day, “electronics-heavy”, transportation sector vehicles leading to affordable mitigation countermeasures that could be implemented as part of an emergency management plan. The FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and preceding executive order signed by the President in 2019 supported this investigation to find ways to strengthen the transportation sector vehicle critical infrastructure from an EMP strike. A threat assessment analysis was used to identify capabilities of state actors and terrorist organizations that are of concern in national security forums. The hazards risk analysis utilized a hybrid emergency management/engineering approach to help visualize critical vehicle electronics sub-systems and components, and their respective potential failure modes. A comprehensive test plan was designed for modern-day, non-MIL transportation sector vehicles to identify the hazard risks which was accompanied by a failure modes and effects analysis template (FMEA) to quantify risks and prioritize mitigation countermeasures. Data from the literature from past testing, EMP resilience technical standards, and product information from expert suppliers who market EMP mitigation hardware were utilized to develop affordable mitigation countermeasure proposals for initial testing. The proposed emergency management plan was based on a strategic implementation of EMP mitigation countermeasures on non-MIL transportation sector modified to become resilient to EMP to support continuity in emergency services and delivery of lifeline supplies to the public after an EMP attack. A methodology was developed for enhanced logistics systems to address repair of un-modified, “as-built” vehicles damaged from the EMP attack. The results of this study will provide a foundation for future projects that can be executed to yield a transportation sector vehicle infrastructure more resilient to an EMP attack which is consistent with the FEMA National Preparedness Goal, and the recent FY2020 NDAA legislation and Presidential executive order.

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