Advancements in buried mine detection using seismic sonar

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Authors
Sheetz, Kraig E.
Subjects
Mine Warfare
Buried Mine Detection
Seismic Sonoar
Surface Waves
Advisors
Muir, Thomas G.
Date of Issue
2000-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
Buried mines continue to disrupt the U.S. ability to project naval power ashore, conduct amphibious assaults, and wage land campaigns. This thesis describes advances in the development of a seismic sonar research tool that resulted in the successful detection of a Mk-63, 1000 lb, mine shape and a M-19, 20 lb, anti-tank mine. This seismic sonar research investigates the concept of using echo returns of a particular seismic interface wave, known as a Rayleigh wave, to detect buried mines. Rayleigh waves are unique in that they have elliptical particle motion that allows one to use vector polarization filtering to separate Rayleigh wave target reflections from other body waves with linear particle motion. A new source design employed in an array of seven elements has been shown to form a narrow beam of Rayleigh wave energy in a sand medium at the navy beach test site. This source beam, coupled with the receiver beam formed by an array of five three-component seismometers has provided a successful bi-static seismic sonar configuration. Signal to noise ratios of 21 dB for the Mk-63 mine shape, and 9 dB for the M-19 anti-tank mine were observed in the target echoes. These experimental results suggest that the seismic sonar is a very promising concept for buried mine detection.
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Thesis
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Format
98 p.
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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