BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF FIELDS OF THE SIEGE ARRAY
J. A. Martin · 1970
Early military research documented biological effects from radar electromagnetic fields, establishing foundation for modern EMF health concerns.
Plain English Summary
This 1970 SRI technical report examined biological effects from electromagnetic fields generated by radar systems, specifically focusing on a 'siege array' configuration. The study investigated both heating and shock effects from electromagnetic radiation exposure on human subjects, representing early research into radar's biological impacts.
Why This Matters
This classified research from Stanford Research Institute represents some of the earliest systematic investigation into radar's biological effects on humans. The 'siege array' terminology suggests high-powered radar configurations, likely military applications that could expose personnel to significant electromagnetic radiation. What makes this study particularly relevant today is how it parallels our modern exposure scenarios. While most of us aren't standing near military radar arrays, we are surrounded by lower-power but constant electromagnetic fields from cell towers, WiFi routers, and wireless devices. The science demonstrates that biological effects aren't limited to high-power exposures that cause obvious heating. This 1970s research laid groundwork for understanding how electromagnetic fields interact with human biology, research that remains critically important as our wireless world continues to expand.
Finding
The field strength under the array is an exponential pulse of the form E(t) = E₀(1 - e^(-t/τ)), where E₀ is the peak value of the field strength and τ is the decay time constant of the pulse (this is the duration tabulated in Table I).
In their words
“The field strength under the array is an exponential pulse of the form E(t) = E₀(1 - e^(-t/τ)), where E₀ is the peak value of the field strength and τ is the decay time constant of the pulse (this is the duration tabulated in Table I).”
Figures from the Original Paper
Diagram extracted from the original research document.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
To evaluate the biological effects of large pulse fields produced by the Siege pulse generators, specifically examining heating and shock effects from electromagnetic radiation exposure.
Literature survey of biological effects of electromagnetic radiation was conducted. Voltages and cur...
The study found that the radiation produced by the Siege pulse generators does not appear to be haza...
The radiation produced by the Siege pulse generators does not appear to be hazardous based on established safety standards for high frequency radiation power densities. The voltages and currents produced by the RPG and Siege 1.2 pulses will not produce serious effects, and it is doubtful that they will produce effects approaching the threshold of perception. There does not appear to be any real basis for expecting sensory or somatic effects from the Siege pulses.
Show BibTeX
@article{biological_effects_of_fields_of_the_siege_array_g6620,
author = {J. A. Martin},
title = {BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF FIELDS OF THE SIEGE ARRAY},
year = {1970},
}