FDTD and improved PSO methods of coupling for identification and localization of buried objects using GPR B-scan response

Abstract

We discuss the identification and localization of a buried object using B-scan response of a ground penetration radar (GPR). We use the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) and an Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (IPSO) methods association as an inverse problem. The A-scan response of the soil without the presence of any object is used in this inverse problem to estimate the physical characteristics of this soil. Then, we included these parameters into the inverse problem to characterize a cylindrical buried object from its GPR B-scan response. This response is simulated using the FDTD method. Several simulated cases of cylindrical object were tested with different radius, electrical conductivity, and depth. The proposed method allowed us to locate and identify buried objects (plastic and metal) at different depths.