Investigation of the Interaction of Elastic Waves with Buried Mines

Abstract : A system has recently been developed at Georgia Tech that exploits the advantages of seismic techniques while overcoming the implementation issues. The technique uses an interrogation sensor that detects the elastic waves in the earth without contacting the earth. A radar is currently being used as the interrogation sensor. The system employs an elastic wave source that launches a surface (Rayleigh) wave that travels over the minefield. This technique uses wavelengths comparable to the size of a mine; thus, the target strength of the mine is much stronger than that of traditional seismic techniques. In addition, it can detect the localized interactions of the mine and the elastic waves since this technique safely interrogates the earth directly above the mine. The objective of this research is to support ongoing development of the seismic mine detection technique. Specifically this involves the creation of a reliable three-dimensional theoretical (numerical) model for the propagation of elastic waves in the earth. The model will be used to investigate the interaction of elastic waves with buried objects, thus providing both a predictive capability for system performance and a technique for the design of future field experiments. As a part of this modeling, an experimental effort to measure the relevant physical properties of soils and mines has also been undertaken.