Operational Evaluation of a New Acoustic Technique for UXO Filler Identification

Abstract

The objective of this work is to demonstrate and validate a new technology to identify the filler material in UXO. Field tests were conducted at an active test site (Vieques, Puerto Rico) to validate filler identification (ID) under field conditions. Unfortunately, these tests were disappointing because, even with the three month "set-aside" effort, the number of ordnance items in the correct size range was very limited. Over a total of about 10 field sites with smaller ordnance, we were able to test about 20 items. Unfortunately, many of these were very corroded and no acoustic signals were received at all through these items. The multi-year ESTCP field tests showed that, although the technology will not identify all ordnance types and filler materials, it provides a simple, low-cost way to ID some of the most common inert filler materials.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 14, 2009
Accession Number
ADA520496

Entities

People

  • Wesley Cobb

Organizations

  • University of Denver

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Acoustic Detectors
  • Acoustic Measurement
  • Acoustic Properties
  • Acoustic Signals
  • Acoustic Velocity
  • Acoustic Waves
  • Acoustics
  • Department Of Defense
  • Detection
  • Environmental Restoration And Remediation
  • Explosives
  • Explosives Detection
  • Identification Systems
  • Munitions
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Unexploded Ammunition

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Munitions and Ordnance Engineering
  • Surface Coatings Technology.