Electromagnetic induction sensing of unexploded ordinance and soil properties from unmanned aerial systems

Randall Reynolds; Benjamin Barrowes; Tornike Shubitidze; Caylin Hartshorn; Brian Quinn; Fridon Shubitidze

doi:10.1117/12.2585537

12 April 2021 Electromagnetic induction sensing of unexploded ordinance and soil properties from unmanned aerial systems

Randall Reynolds, Benjamin Barrowes, Tornike Shubitidze, Caylin Hartshorn, Brian Quinn, Fridon Shubitidze

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 11750, Detection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XXVI; 1175002 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2585537
Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, 2021, Online Only

Abstract

Development over the last two decades of electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensing technology has enabled more accurate identification of unexploded ordinance (UXO) and soil properties. False alarm rates and false negative rates for modern EMI sensors have reduced the cost associated with range cleanup dramatically. However, all EMI UXO sensors continue to have at least two problems associated with safer and more cost-effective cleanup. The first problem centers around requiring a human to push or otherwise operate a sensor on the ground potentially in harm’s way rendering the data acquisition phase of remediation costly and dangerous. The second challenge involves the data interpretation side of EMI sensing. The soil conductivity generates a response that can contaminate EMI data, though in some applications ascertaining soil properties are the goal of the sensor. We developed a lightweight time domain EMI sensor aimed at UXO detection and classification suitable for flying on a UAS platform. This sensor is designed to detect larger targets at up to 2 m from the transmitter and receiver coils. Additionally, we created a time domain sensor suitable for ascertaining the conductivity and magnetic permeability of soils in the top several meters, also suitable for UAS deployment. Both sensors have balanced payloads weighing less than 12 pounds. We present the sensors as well as preliminary calibration and field data demonstrating the efficacy and potential of these sensors to render the process of acquiring UXO data and soil property data less expensive, more efficient and safer.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Randall Reynolds, Benjamin Barrowes, Tornike Shubitidze, Caylin Hartshorn, Brian Quinn, and Fridon Shubitidze "Electromagnetic induction sensing of unexploded ordinance and soil properties from unmanned aerial systems", Proc. SPIE 11750, Detection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XXVI, 1175002 (12 April 2021); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2585537

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