Technologies for Identifying Munition Fill

Abstract

This document surveys technologies with the potential to identify the filler contents of unexploded ordnance (UXO), focusing on the discrimination of high explosive rounds from inert training rounds. Although munitions are color-coded and marked at the time of manufacture to indicate their content (high explosive, illumination, etc.), after years of residence in the ground, their condition often degrades to the point where the markings are unreadable. A sensor that can determine the contents of such UXO would improve the safety and efficiency of cleanup operations. This document explores various physical and chemical techniques that could provide this capacity. Physical techniques studied include neutron, X-ray, acoustic, and nuclear quadrupole resonance technologies. Chemical techniques studied include color tests; immunoassay methods; and various spectroscopy, spectrometry, chromatography, and polymer techniques.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA382762

Entities

People

  • Anne M. Andrews
  • Frank Rotondo
  • Lisa M. Porter

Organizations

  • Institute for Defense Analyses

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Counter IED
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Elements
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemical Warfare
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Chemistry
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Explosive Ordnance Disposal
  • Explosives
  • Explosives Detection
  • High Explosives
  • Liquid Chromatography
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Science
  • Measurement
  • Spectrometry
  • Spectroscopy

Readers

  • Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design