Experimental model for a seismic landmine detection system

A laboratory-scale experimental model has been developed and tested for a system that uses artificially generated high-frequency seismic waves in conjunction with a radar-based noncontact displacement sensor to detect buried landmines. The principle of operation of the system is to measure the transient displacement field very close to a mine location. In this way, the absorption and the geometrical spreading of the seismic waves have not reduced the effects of the mine. By using a seismic excitation, the system exploits the large difference between the elastic properties of a mine and the surrounding soil. This difference causes seismic wave interactions in the vicinity of a mine to be quite distinctive and provides a method for imaging mines and distinguishing them from typical buried clutter. Images of a variety of simulated and inert anti-tank and anti-personnel mines have been formed using this system. Burial scenarios involving natural clutter (rocks and sticks), light surface vegetation, localized burial effects, and multiple mines in close proximity have been studied. None of these scenarios appears to pose serious problems for detection performance.