Optimizing electromagnetic sensors for unexploded ordnance detection

Abstract

Time-domain electromagnetic (TEM) instruments are the predominant geophysical sensor for detection of buried unexploded ordnance (UXO). Detection surveys commonly use towed TEM sensor arrays to acquire a digital map for target detection. We use a dipolar model to predict a detection threshold for a UXO at a specified clearance depth, given an arbitrary sensor geometry. In general, the minimum target response is obtained for a horizontally oriented target. We find that for multistatic sensors, the minimum response can also depend on the azimuth of the target. By considering the statistics of the target response, we find that the detection threshold can be raised slightly while still ensuring a high probability of detection of UXO at depth. This increase in the detection threshold can have a significant effect on the number of false alarms that need to be interrogated or investigated and hence on the cost of clearance. We also use Monte Carlo simulation to investigate how array geometry and height affect clutter rejection.