Performance Baselining of Geophysical Sensors: Detection Limits, Repeatability and Inter-Instrument Comparisons

MR-200506

Objective

Production ground surveys for unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection and discrimination typically use electromagnetic induction (EMI) and total field magnetometry (TFM) technologies. Previous work has investigated the characteristics of these sensors, but there has not been an effort to characterize and understand the signature variation to a given ordnance item among various geophysical systems of the same type. The objective of this project is to characterize the repeatability of EMI and TFM detection systems currently used in UXO detection and discrimination. This will involve monitoring the operating characteristics of commonly used EMI and TFM units and collecting data over five separate standardized items under identical conditions.

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Technology Description

EMI systems are the most versatile of the geophysical methods used for surveys of subsurface UXO due to the capability of broad bandwidth operation and variable transmitter and receiver configurations. TFM sensors are the most reliable and simplest systems to operate and have the ability to detect large targets at greater depths than an EMI system. Signature differences for an ordnance item in the 5 to 10 percent range between different examples of the same sensors, while perhaps insignificant from the perspective of detection, could lead to erroneous classification/identification from the perspective of discrimination. Recognizing that it is impractical to test enough representatives of given types of systems to be "statistically significant," this project seeks to assemble a reasonable number of the most common EMI and TFM systems used for UXO surveys and to quantify the variation in their responses to a selected number of standard objects.

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Benefits

This project will ensure that critical UXO technology performance parameters such as detection capability and discrimination are quantified through standardized test methodologies and procedures. It also will determine if discrimination is feasible with the most common sensors used currently and what procedures must be followed to achieve accurate discrimination. The project will enable modelers and data interpreters to assess if data from a single instrument is representative of all instruments of the same model and to account for the repeatability of measurements between same-model instruments. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2007)

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Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Mr. Ryan North

U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)

Phone: 601-634-3486

Fax: 601-634-3453

Program Manager

Munitions Response

SERDP and ESTCP

Document Types

  • Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
  • Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
  • Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
  • Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
  • Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
  • Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
  • Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
  • Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
  • Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.