Experimental model for a seismic landmine detection system

A laboratory-scale experimental model has been developed and tested for a s ystem that uses artificially generated high-frequency seismic waves in conj unction with a radar-based noncontact displacement sensor to detect buried landmines, The principle of operation of the system is to measure the trans ient displacement field very close to a mine location, In this way, the abs orption and the geometrical spreading of the seismic waves have not reduced the effects of the mine. By using a seismic excitation, the system exploit s the large difference between the elastic properties of a mine and the sur rounding soil. This difference causes seismic wave interactions in the vici nity of a mine to be quite distinctive and provides a method for imaging mi nes and distinguishing them from typical buried clutter. Images of a variet y of simulated and inert anti-tank and anti-personnel mines have been forme d using this system. Burial scenarios involving natural clutter (rocks and sticks), light surface vegetation, localized burial effects, and multiple m ines in close proximity have been studied. None of these scenarios appears to pose serious problems for detection performance.