Landmine Detection by Scatter Radiation Radiography.

Abstract

The application of scatter radiation radiography to the detection of buried nonmetallic antitank landmines is examined. A combination of calculations and measurements is used to address the problem. The primary calculation tool is a Monte Carlo photon transport code. Measurements are made with an x-ray source, sodium iodide detector, and soil box positioning system. The soil box containing a model of a nonmetallic antitank mine is moved beneath the x-ray source to simulate both the forward motion of a vehicle transporting the detection system and raster of the beam to search a path of sufficient width to allow safe passage. Measurements are used to validate the calculation results for a small detector and produce images of buried mines. The calculations are extended to large area detectors which are required to provide path searches of approximately three widths. Environmental parameters, such as height sensitivity, soil density and moisture content, and inhomogeneities are examined in both calculations and measurements. Calculations are used to suggest mine detection mechanisms and to optimize geometric parameters and x-ray beam quality. Power requirements are also addressed. Keywords: Landmine; Mine warfare; Mine detection; Monte Carlo; Scattering; Imaging; Radiation transport; Detector response; X ray; Spectra; Backscatter; Nonmetallic mine; Theses.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 02, 1987
Accession Number
ADA182227

Entities

People

  • John G. Campbell

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anti-Tank Mines
  • Backscattering
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Detectors
  • Diffraction
  • Explosive Devices
  • Explosives
  • Explosives Detection
  • Fire Control Systems
  • Gamma Rays
  • Geometry
  • Minefields
  • Ordnance Laboratories
  • Scattering
  • Warning Systems

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Munitions and Ordnance Engineering
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.
  • Solar Physics