Effective sweep-width for barrier missions against an evasive target

Abstract

An effective sweep-width, to be used in predicting the performance of a barrier patrol against a smart, evasive intruder is defined. Following Washburn’s example for a two-dimensional area search, the nominal sweep-width of the searcher is reduced to account for the target’s evasive ability. The formulation presented here allows for the barrier to be either stationary or advancing. Two different definitions are offered for an effective sweep-width: one that focuses solely on the probability of detecting the intruder and one that includes deterrence as a form of success for the searcher.