Anti-tank Mines Research Articles

An analytical model of a pulse signal reflected from a small-sized object located in the covering layer

Formulation of the problem. Existing methods and devices implementing them do not provide the required probability of correct detection and a low level of false alarms when detecting and recognizing anti-personnel and anti-tank mines in the ground. Based on this, there is currently an objective need to solve the urgent scientific task of improving the scientific and methodological apparatus for detecting and recognizing small-sized objects located in the covering layer. Purpose. Improving the scientific and methodological apparatus for detecting and recognizing subsurface targets by refining the analytical model of a pulse signal reflected from a small-sized object located in the covering layer. Results. A refined analytical model of a pulse signal reflected from a small-sized object located in the covering layer is proposed. The results of mathematical modeling and assessment of the adequacy of the obtained model are presented. Practical significance. The results obtained can be used in the synthesis of algorithms for the search, detection and recognition of small objects located in the covering layer.

Optimizing land mine detection across diverse mining environments: A hyperspectral data approach with regression models

The detection of landmines, namely anti-tank mines, explosive devices, and unexploded ordnance, is a formidable obstacle for the global community. The visible consequences of unobserved explosives in communities affected by war are characterized by significant devastation and human suffering. In order to effectively tackle this matter, it is imperative to use proactive strategies that focus on the identification and mitigation of these perilous substances prior to their potential infliction of harm. Nevertheless, the majority of current solutions exhibit significant deficiencies, such as exorbitant expenses, inefficiencies, and apprehensions over accuracy. These drawbacks are further compounded by the inherent trade-offs that exist between these elements, where improvements in one area often come at the expense of another. Contrarily, recent breakthroughs in the areas of deep learning, unmanned aerial vehicles, and sensor technologies are being recognized as potentially transformative elements in the domain of landmine identification and removal. This paper presents a thorough examination of recent scholarly investigations that integrate computerized technology in the field of landmine detection. To the extent of our current understanding, there has been no prior investigation that has thoroughly examined this particular domain. The main aim of this study is to investigate the incorporation of machine learning based regression methods in the field of landmine detection. The study specifically emphasizes the identification and resolution of existing issues that hinder the development of efficient automated solutions, hence enhancing performance optimization. The Sum of Sine Curve Fit Regression Model is proposed and proved a powerful and adaptable tool for extracting relevant information from this hyperspectral images.

Multicopters for Geophysical Research

The current paper presents three multicopters developed at the Space Research and Technology Institute – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. These unmanned aircraft designs are aimed at geophysical research and are particularly usable for detection of objects on ground surface and underground. The detection is realized by taking advantage of certain objects' properties. Metals and other conductors are identified by their electrical conductivity. Ferromagnetic objects are discovered by observing their magnetic permeability. Voids and other objects are localized utilizing the difference of the dielectric permittivity that is encountered on the boundary of the object and surrounding ground or rock.
 Some of the potential targets discoverable with the described geophysical drones are military land mines (including anti-personnel and anti-tank mines), ammunition depots, reservoirs, pipelines, underground galleries, voids, bunkers, tunnels, etc.
 All three developments are subject to patent protection.

REMOTE MONITORING OF MINES IN FIELDS WITH USING NEURAL NETWORKS

The work is devoted to the issue of humanitarian demining of agricultural lands. The difference between humanitarian demining and military demining is the lack of strict deadlines for the implementation of measures, as well as relatively small human and technical resources and large areas of monitoring. The situation is particularly difficult on marginal lands, which are poorly monitored by the local population and, accordingly, the establishment of minefields may be unexpected for farmers. Marginal lands are a potential source of energy raw materials for bioenergy, the importance of which is increasing in the modern conditions of the destruction of traditional logistics chains of supply of energy resources. The purpose of the work was to develop a method of express monitoring regarding the presence of mines in the fields. Operational research of large areas is possible precisely thanks to remote monitoring technologies, in particular thermal imaging. The hypothesis about the possibility of identifying mines due to the difference in the dynamics of heating and cooling of explosive objects under solar radiation during the day was tested. The research was conducted on the basis of the training ground of the military department of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. TM-62M anti-tank mines, high-explosive shells caliber 125 mm, etc. were studied. When setting up the experiment, part of the ammunition was buried in the soil to a depth of 2-5 cm in accordance with the instructions for demining. It was established that only sunny days are suitable for thermal imaging monitoring, and samples installed in the shade were not identified. The maximum temperature difference for mines was recorded in the morning, and for massive shells in the evening. With regard to buried mines and projectiles, during thermal imaging monitoring, only depressions and bumps on the site were recorded. Based on the low selectivity of thermal imaging monitoring, neural networks were used to indicate mechanically laid mines on the ground. Positive results were obtained.

A Finite Element Analysis Based Study on Effects of Polyurea Coating for Blast Mitigation

One of main threats for Armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) is anti-tank mines. Future war scenario insists on light tanks that can withstand land mines with higher order destruction. Hence a non-classical approach for blast mitigating structures has dealt with. In this sequence, there are two kinds of approach, one is to redesign the bottom plate structure and second is using special materials for coating. This work investigates the effect of special material Viz., Polyurea coating on the bottom structure of the AFV hull. Polyurea coating added to the Steel plate (considered as localized AFV vehicle hull structure) in such a way that the coating thickness is lesser than the thickness of base material. Explicit dynamic Finite Element (FE) based numerical simulations were performed using ANSYS AUTODYN. In this setup, coating is introduced to the Steel plate in two variations, namely, on non-blast face (opposite to the blast load) and blast face. The simulation is carried out with varying coating thickness (6mm, 8mm, 10mm 14mm) and with varying blast charges of TNT (2kg, 5kg, 7kg, and 12kg) in the stand-off distance (distance from the center of the explosive to the plate) of 450mm. The peak deformation of the plate caused by the blast load on the coated and uncoated homogenous plate is compared for their relative performances.

Experimental and numerical study of auxetic sandwich panels on 160 grams of PE4 blast loading

Mines, specifically as Anti-Tank (AT) mines are a significant threat for defence vehicles. While approaches such as v-shaped hulls are currently used to deflect the blast products from such threats, such a solution is not always usable when hull standoff is limited. As such the development of a low profile, energy absorbing solution is desirable. One approach that has potential to achieve these requirements are sandwich panels. While sandwich panel cores can be constructed from various materials, one material of particular interest are auxetics. Auxetic are materials that exhibit a negative Poisson’s ratio. This material has potential to be an efficient an impact energy absorber by increasing stiffness at local deformation by gathering mass at the impact location. This study investigates the effectiveness of novel auxetic core infills alongside three other panel types (monolithic, air gap, polymer foam sandwich) against buried charges. 160 grams of PE4 were buried in 100 mm depth and 500 mm stand off the target. Laser and High Speed Video (HSV) system were used to capture the deflection-time profile and load cell sensors were used to record the loading profile received by the panels. Experimental works were compared with numerical model. Explicit model were generated in LSDYNA software as ‘initial impulse mine’ keyword. The result found that the auxetic and foam core panels were effective in reducing peak structural loading and impulse by up to 33% and 34% respectively. Air-filled panels were the most effective to reduce the deflection of the rear of the plate, however variation between capture methods (HSV and Laser system) were reported, while numerical modelling provided comparable plate deflections responses. When normalised against panel weight, the air filled panels were experimentally the most efficient per unit mass system with the auxetics being the least effective.

Experimental and numerical study on dynamic response of V-shaped hull subjected to mine blast

Detonation of an anti-tank (AT) mine or improvised explosive device (IED) yields a shock wave, which can result in a severe damage to a vehicle and its personnel. Blast mitigation techniques play important role in dissipating and reflecting incoming blast waves as well as decreasing damage potential. This study set out to investigate the blast mitigation performance of V-shaped hull design of a military vehicle, both from numerical and experimental viewpoint. LS-DYNA was used in numerical studies. Results show that numerical simulation is in accord with blast experiment and maximum deviation percentage between measured and calculated displacements is 15%. Communicated by Prof. Corina Sandu.

A Drone Fitted With a Magnetometer Detects Landmines

Many antipersonnel (AP) and antitank (AT) mines remain in the ground across South Korea; some are partially exposed and remain visible. We used a drone fit with a magnetometer to detect landmines. The magnetic characteristics of landmines were measured, and altitude and flight conditions (altitude < 1 m) required for successful landmine detection were derived. Metallic AP and AT mines, and low metal content AT mines were detected in field tests under the proposed conditions. The drone can be used to aid in the demining of South Korea.

PRODUCTION OF SPECIAL PRODUCTS AT IVANOVO FURNITURE FACTORY (PLANT NO. 43) DURING WORLD WAR II

The article is devoted to the study of Ivanovo furniture factory, which during World War II operated under the provisional name «plant No. 43» of the People’s Commissariat of the forest industry. Fulfi lling the orders of the State Defence Committee of the USSR, it produced landing and sanitary aerial vehicles, special caps for 45 mm shells, cases for anti-tank mines and other special products for the active army. The article refl ects the problems of the development of these types of products by the combine, the organisation of production cooperation for the production of individual components and devices for aerial vehicles, as well as metal fi ttings for special closures and cases for anti-tank mines. Important attention is paid to the specifics of the search for solutions to resolve them, including through appeals to Joseph Stalin, the Chairman of the State Defence Committee. These actions were based on maximum mobilisation of local production resources and on the development of various forms of socialist competition. They were so successful that in August and September 1944, the factory’s labour team twice became the winner of the all-Union socialist competition among the enterprises of the forest industry with the award of the Red Banner of the GKO of the State Defence Committee. In the end, all this worked for the defence of the country and brought the defeat of the enemy closer. The article is based on the materials of the state archive of Ivanovo Region, the Russian state archive of socio-political history, the State archive of the Russian Federation, and the local periodical press. It summarises new information on the topic under study, most of the archival documents are introduced into scientific circulation for the fi rst time, which allows researchers and the public to expand their understanding of the contribution of residents of the region to achieving victory over Nazi Germany and its allies. The results of this research may be of interest to specialists in the fi eld of regional economy and the history of World War II.

Substantiating the requirements to functional indicators for the manipulators of mobile robotic demining complexes

It has been proposed that humanitarian demining should involve mobile robotic complexes equipped with manipulators based on mechanisms with parallel kinematic structures. The features of design and characteristics of the manipulators have been considered. We have established special features in equipping the manipulators, used to directly manipulate objects. The geometrical and strength parameters for the threaded connection between a fuse and a mine shell have been determined. A scheme of efforts interaction in the threaded connection has been substantiated. We have found patterns in the emergence of the thread force reactions under a gravitational load of the fuse and at thread tightening. The efforts that arise at unscrewing the fuse of an anti-tank mine by the manipulator have been experimentally determined. The measurements employed specialized equipment in the form of a set of special grips. The result of measurements is the established effort of thread tightening and the momentum loads required for unscrewing the fuse. We have substantiated the rational kinematic and dynamic algorithms of the manipulator operation in the process of unscrewing the fuse. To this end, we measured the displacements of the fuse under the action of asymmetrical force and momentum loads. The measurements of parameters have been performed of cyclic loads necessary to unfix the threaded connection between the fuse and a mine. A special algorithm of dynamical loads on the fuse has been suggested, which ensures rational conditions for its unscrewing. The paper reports results from experimental study into remotely-controlled disposal of explosive objects and unexploded ammunition using an example of an anti-tank mine. We have shown feasibility of the proposed technology of humanitarian demining of territories containing explosive objects.

Аналіз протитанкових мін Російської Федерації методами кластерного аналізу

Представлені результати кластерного аналізу протитанкових мін Російської Федерації за обраними класифікаційними ознаками та масою вибухової речовини. Отримані групикластерів протитанкових мін можна використовувати при формуванні вимог до рівня протимінного захисту вітчизняних бойових броньованих машин.

Aspects regarding the Conception, the Practical Realization and the Use of the “ETC Mines” Tracked Mini Robot Functional Model in Humanitarian Demining Operations

In the present paper, the author want to highlight the construction and the possible implementation of a functional tracked mini-robot model within special humanitarian demining operations, a technological product developed within the Advanced Logistic Technologies Laboratory of our institution. The objectives and the hypotheses of the research, the methods and the instruments used in the process of the practical realization of the mechanical structure of the tracked mini robot as well as certain aspects related to its implementation and operation in humanitarian demining operations, a stage that was based on a study regarding the possible explosion by sympathy of a category of anti-tank mines, are presented in detail. We also mention the fact that the practical realization of the functional model of the “ETC Mines” mini robot represented the starting point for the filing at the State Office for Inventions and Trademarks, Bucharest, Romania, of the patent application no. a 2017 00562 representing the organological construction at a 1:1 scale of an innovative robotic technological product necessary for humanitarian demining missions.

CONTROLLED ANTITANK MINES OF NEW GENERATION

The paper presents a System of Controlled Antitank Mines (SCAM) which is a world unknown solution of a concept of intelligent battlefield and is designed to build engineering dams. The mines have an innovative solution integrating acoustic, seismic, thermal and laser scanner sensors into a single intelligent system. The system allows the setting of a minefield from directed antitank mines which autonomously select and destroy targets by explosively formed projectile when the security levels I and II are taken off. The system is supervised by an operator who can remotely set the II security level using radio controls and then the mines may be set in the I security state to take them out and use again in a new place. SCAM destroys tanks, armored vehicles, trucks and selfpropelled bonded between (trawling) rigs. The paper presents a concept of the system and some results of state qualification tests for individual elements.

Statistical moments calculated via integral images in application to landmine detection from Ground Penetrating Radar 3D scans

Under study is an application of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to landmine detection problem. We focus on the detection of antitank mines carried out in the 3D GPR images, so-called C-scans, by means of a machine learning approach. In that approach, we particularly pursue a technique for fast extraction of image features based on an initial calculation of multiple integral images. This allows later to calculate each feature in constant time, regardless of the scanning window position and size. The features we study are statistical moments formulated in their 3D variant. We present a comparison of detection results for different sizes and parameterizations of feature sets. All results are obtained from a prototype GPR system of our original construction in terms of both hardware and software.

Ways to improve combat capabilities of engineering ammunition

It was analysis the stage of development ammunitions against armored objects with an aim to show of use of antitank mines, its lacks and also to define the ways of improvement of effectiveness such as introduction of new samples with use of modern technology in the branch artificial intellect, robotics, new materials . It was proposed new approaches, substitution of its constructions, and principle of work.Determined that the use of anti-personnel mines does not lose its relevance in the fight against armored targets of the enemy, but requires a new conceptual approach to their design and operating principle. This will make it possible to reduce the number of mines that will be applied and, accordingly, time, effort to install them, and increase their combat effectiveness.

Numerical Simulations of V-Shaped Plates Subjected to Blast Loadings: A Validation Study

A series of numerical simulations utilizing LS-DYNA was performed to determine the mid-point deformations of V-shaped plates due to blast loading. The numerical simulation results were then compared with experimental results from published literature. The V-shaped plate is made of DOMEX 700 and is used underneath an armour personal carrier vehicle as an anti-tank mine to mitigate the effects of explosion from landmines in a battlefield. The performed numerical simulations of blast loading of V-shaped plates consisted of various angles i.e. 60°, 90°, 120°, 150° and 180°; variable mass of explosives located at the central mid-point of the V-shaped vertex with various stand-off distances. It could be seen that the numerical simulations produced good agreement with the experimental results where the average difference was about 26.6%.

Simulation on the Shock Response of Vehicle Occupant Subjected to Underbelly Blast Loading

Explosion from an anti-tank mines or improvised explosive devices are recognized as one of the lethal threat towards occupants inside an armoured vehicle. The detonation of these threats creates high intensity blast waves that were transmitted to the occupant through vehicle structures and seats. Minimizing the occupant's casualty can be achieved by properly dissipating the shock waves exerted to the vehicle. It is important to distinguish the contributing factors that affectted the behavior of the blast wave so that proper reduction on the shock waves can be achieved. In this paper, three factors such as occupant seating height, charge weight placement and the Hopkinson-Cranz blast scaling were studied using numerical simulations. Design of experiment (DOE) was utilized to determine the ranks and interactions between each factor from the most influential on the results to the least affects towards the results. From the results it was found that the seating position plays a significant role in reduction of the shock response towards the finite element dummy model.

Soil-plate oscillator: A model for nonlinear acoustic landmine detection

A soil-plate oscillator (SPO) apparatus involves a cylindrical column of granular medium (sand, soil, and pebbles) supported by a thin circular elastic plate (acrylic) that is rigidly clamped to the bottom of a thick walled aluminum tube. The plate is air-backed. The soil column is driven from above by two subwoofers electrically connected to an amplified swept sinusoidal slowly varying chirp. In nonlinear tuning curve experiments, the resonant frequency decreases with increased amplitude—representing a softening in the nonlinear system. Hysteresis effects can be observed along with slow dynamic behavior (associated with mesoscopic nano-scale nonlinear elasticity). In two tone tests, numerous combination frequencies are observed in the surface vibration of the soil along with the sum frequency (typically 200 Hz) and second and higher harmonics. Soil surface vibrations and plate vibrations show similar effects when the soil layer is even 30 times the plate thickness. SPO results compare well when an inert VS 1.6 anti-tank mine is buried in a large concrete soil box. Nonlinear hysteresis models of the soil alone and for the soil-plate interaction are useful in understanding these results, since off-the mine vs. on-the mine tuning curves shapes behave significantly different, indicating some false alarms can be eliminated.

Fast Analysis of C-Scans From Ground Penetrating Radar via 3-D Haar-Like Features With Application to Landmine Detection

This paper aimed to devise an efficient algorithm applicable to ground penetrating radar (GPR) and to enable an automatic landmine detection. Proposed is a machine learning approach in which we put the main emphasis on fast performance of the scanning procedure analyzing the C-scans, i.e., 3-D images defined over the coordinate system, i.e., along track by across track by time , where the time axis can be associated with depth. The approach is based on our proposition of 3-D Haar-like features. Learning of the detector is carried out by boosted decision trees. Practical experiments on metal and plastic antitank mines in a garden soil are carried out. A prototype mobile platform is designed to scan the subsurface of the ground, equipped with a GPR based on a standard vector network analyzer and our original antenna system. We report the results, particularly the following: detection sensitivity, false alarm rates, receiver operating characteristic curves, and times of learning and detection.

Landmine Detection by Means of Ground Penetrating Radar: A Rule-Based Approach

For a humanitarian landmine detection system to be of practical value it has to meet the following criteria: detection must be performed in real-time from a moving platform; plastic mines must be reliably detected; and the false alarm rate should be kept to a minimum. Ground penetrating radar is a promising technology for the detection of landmines with low metal content. The improved algorithms presented in this paper can meet the above mentioned criteria to a large extent. Clutter removal is performed by an adaptive filter which removes virtually all background clutter in real time and can adapt to changing soil characteristics. Classification is performed by a new rule-based classifier capable of detecting both metal and plastic anti-tank mines. Despite the fact that the algorithms are currently implemented in Matlab¯, mine detection can be performed on a vehicle moving at 9 km/h.