Department Of Defense Radiation Hazards Testing Analysis

Abstract

The United States Department of Defense tests its weapons systems to many different real as well as man-made environments prior to deploying the systems to the troops. The intent of testing is to insure the systems function as they are intended without adverse reactions. One of the required tests is a Radiation Hazards test to insure that non-ionizing radio frequency waves generated by transmitters, such as radios and jammers, do not cause harm to personnel, ordnance or fuel. This test is typically performed at a DoD test lab and data taken at the lab is used to determine safe operating parameters for a particular piece of equipment. This thesis presents measurements as well as mathematical models to demonstrate methods that can be employed to take more relevant Radiation Hazards data.