Characterization of Electromagnetic Properties of In Situ Soils for the Design of Landmine Detection Sensors: Application in Donbass, Ukraine

Abstract

To design holographic and impulse ground penetrating radar (GPR) sensors suitable for humanitarian de-mining in the Donbass (Ukraine) conflict zone, we measured critical electromagnetic parameters of typical local soils using simple methods that could be adapted to any geologic setting. Measurements were recorded along six profiles, each crossing at least two mapped soil types. The parameters selected to evaluate GPR and metal detector sensor performance were magnetic permeability, electrical conductivity, and dielectric permittivity. Magnetic permeability measurements indicated that local soils would be conducive to metal detector performance. Electrical conductivity measurements indicated that local soils would be medium to high loss materials for GPR. Calculation of the expected attenuation as a function of signal frequency suggested that 1 GHz may have optimized the trade-off between resolution and penetration and matched the impulse GPR system power budget. Dielectric permittivity was measured using both time domain reflectometry and impulse GPR. For the latter, a calibration procedure based on an in-situ measurement of reflection coefficient was proposed and the data were analyzed to show that soil conditions were suitable for the reliable use of impulse GPR. A distinct difference between the results of these two suggested a dry (low dielectric) soil surface, grading downward into more moist (higher dielectric) soils. This gradation may provide a matching layer to reduce ground surface reflections that often obscure shallow subsurface targets. In addition, the relatively high dielectric deeper (10 cm-20 cm) subsurface soils should provide a strong contrast with plastic-cased mines.

Numerical Design and Experimental Validation of a Plastic 3D-Printed Waveguide Antenna for Shallow Object Microwave Imaging

“…In this environment, the reading of the images acquired with the imaging system is more complex, as there are many degrading effects for the signal that significantly decrease the Signal-Noise ratio: the reflection of the ground surface and its surface irregularity which is of comparable size with the wavelength of the radar signal, they generate diffraction phenomena. The soil, which is a highly dispersive propagation medium, determines a strong attenuation of the signal [27][28][29].…”

From the Point Cloud to BIM Methodology for the Ideal Reconstruction of a Lost Bastion of the Cáceres Wall

“…Thanks to this methodology, it was possible to detail a sharp change of material to 2.4 m, which is understood as the original rock or foundation of the wall at this point in the city, something that, until now, had not been known, and that greatly facilitates our the understanding of this unique In addition, a GPR study was carried out in order to refine the thicknesses of these layers and to control what was happening inside the wall-we were looking for holes and gaps that also explained the construction model followed for each material [23][24][25]. One of these radargramas it is shown in Figure 11, where the discontinuities in the wall can be seen.…”

“…One of these radargramas it is shown in Figure 11, where the discontinuities in the wall can be seen. In addition, a GPR study was carried out in order to refine the thicknesses of these layers and to control what was happening inside the wall-we were looking for holes and gaps that also explained the construction model followed for each material [23][24][25]. One of these radargramas it is shown in Figure 11, where the discontinuities in the wall can be seen.…”

Detection of antipersonnel landmines containing ANFO-based explosive: A review

“…There, Bechtel et al used a GPR for the electromagnetic characterization of soils and it was able to design suitable holographic impulse sensors. The authors indicated that the variation in electromagnetic properties was surprisingly small and within the normal range for most soils throughout the world [56]. About the development of holographic radar for the detection of landmines, Qin et al modeled a monostatic antenna with a fixed frequency to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals, considering the conditions of flat and sinusoidal surfaces.…”