Analysis of GPR scattering by multiple subsurface metallic objects to improve UXO discrimination

Abstract

Detection and identification of buried unexploded ordinance (UXO) is an emerging problem worldwide. Recent ultra wideband (UWB) field tests between 10s of MHz and 100s of MHz have demonstrated that certain of the target's dimensions can be estimated from analysis of complex natural resonances in the scattered signal. However, the problem becomes much more complicated at highly contaminated UXO sites where clutter items, from which subsurface UXO must be distinguished, appear simultaneously within the field of view of the sensor. This often occurs in realistic field conditions, where GPR discrimination capabilities are typically limited by ground clutter, coupling between antenna and ground, and limited view of the target due to innocuous items. Under extreme shielding by clutter, the incident field cannot excite strong currents on the target and in turn the scattered field from the object cannot easily be separated from the responses of the clutter. To investigate this, we pursue simulations here designed to test subsurface side-looking EM field scattering from multiple buried objects placed in a uniform ground. The numerical calculation is performed using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method in conjunction with generalized perfectly matched layer GPML. The results are analyzed for a cylinder and plate placed in a uniform ground.