Detection of Underwater UXOs in Mud

Abstract

One of the most problematic areas where unexploded ordnance (UXO) can be situated is in an underwater environment, buried in sediment. Since burial frequently occurs in silt or mud, it is of great importance to have a capability for the detection of UXO in such buried conditions. This project considers detection of objects buried in mud using a side-looking low frequency (LF) sonar system mounted on a boat. The detection of buried UXO with a LF side-looking sonar system, however, is a challenging problem. This is primarily caused by high reverberation and possible clutter. In addition, the amplitude of the target echo of an object is reduced by burial. For these conditions, dedicated processing has to be developed for the detection of UXO and other targets of interest, and for the subsequent discrimination between targets and clutter contacts. In this project robust and advanced processing techniques are developed with the objective to improve detection and classification in operational conditions. These techniques have been demonstrated on experimental data.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2013
Accession Number
ADA600399

Entities

People

  • A. L. Beckers
  • Alan J. Hunter
  • B. A. Quesson
  • R. Van Vossen

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Scattering
  • Acoustics
  • Beam Steering
  • Composite Materials
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Bands
  • Geometry
  • Inertial Navigation
  • Inertial Navigation Systems
  • Navigation
  • Reverberation
  • Scattering
  • Side Looking Sonar
  • Target Echoes
  • Unexploded Ammunition

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Military/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technology