Microwave enhancement of thermal land mine signatures

John A. Hermann; Ian J. Chant

doi:10.1117/12.357017

2 August 1999 Microwave enhancement of thermal land mine signatures

John A. Hermann, Ian J. Chant

Proceedings Volume 3710, Detection and Remediation Technologies for Mines and Minelike Targets IV; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.357017
Event: AeroSense '99, 1999, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Buried landmine detection using IR sensor has been investigated by a number of researchers around the world. The technique is promising, particularly for unpaved roads in hot dry countries with little roadside shading. The thermal source for this detection mechanism is the solar heat flux and this imposes constraints on the time of day and weather conditions when this technique is effective. Here we investigate the use of a microwave energy source to drive the thermal flux with the aim of extending the usefulness of IR detection to full day operation in all forms of overcast weather. The microwave radiation penetrates the soil providing a depth to the heating process. We present a 1D model of microwave absorption and heat dissipation by moisture-laden soils which contain landmine-like buried objects. The microwave source for our numerical experiments is a 2.45 GHz, 5 kW. If required, a possible power increase to as high as 50 kW is envisaged. The physical mechanisms employed are suitable for a vehicle mounted detection system. We consider thermal properties of plastic bodied landmines shallowly buried in soil at the peak power point in the ground footprint of the heat source and review some of the factors which govern the thermal difference which will result. In particular we review (a) the factors which determine the radiant power penetrating the ground, and (b) the absorption and conduction processes which subsequently occur within the vicinity of the landmine.

Citation Download Citation

John A. Hermann and Ian J. Chant "Microwave enhancement of thermal land mine signatures", Proc. SPIE 3710, Detection and Remediation Technologies for Mines and Minelike Targets IV, (2 August 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.357017

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