Using Ground Penetrating Radar to Detect Buried Landmines for Humanitarian Purposes
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Abstract
The objective of this project is to use ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology to improve the detectors used in humanitarian demining operations. Currently demining operator encounter a very high number of false positives due to metallic clutter, but due to the nature of the landmine problem every positive indication has to be carefully examined. This project aims to improve the classification of buried targets through the use of GPR technology, reducing the amount of time spent investigating metallic clutter and other false positives.
This project will look at advanced technologies such as resistive film antennas, optimised antenna designs and active balun arrangements to improve the transmitted signal. This will all be underpinned by advanced 3D modelling and simulation. The project will also look at the development of new radar electronics for signal generation and acquisition using novel devices from semiconductor companies delivering the state-of-the-art in single chip integration. Finally the project will consider the problem of radar signal inversion, classification and feedback to the operator.
This project will look at advanced technologies such as resistive film antennas, optimised antenna designs and active balun arrangements to improve the transmitted signal. This will all be underpinned by advanced 3D modelling and simulation. The project will also look at the development of new radar electronics for signal generation and acquisition using novel devices from semiconductor companies delivering the state-of-the-art in single chip integration. Finally the project will consider the problem of radar signal inversion, classification and feedback to the operator.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Anthony Peyton (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Wouter Van Verre (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509565/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1792700 | Studentship | EP/N509565/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/03/2021 | Wouter Van Verre |
| Description | This work has contributed to the publicly available body of knowledge regarding the use of advanced electromagnetic methods to distinguish between metallic clutter and buried landmines. In particular the development of ground-penetrating radar systems for this purpose has been published in academic journals. Additionally, this work has been built upon in subsequent phases of the project, which involve industrial collaboration. |
| Exploitation Route | This work can be put to use to develop a new generation of landmine detectors with better performance and lower total cost of ownership (primarily through lower purchase prices and lower training costs). The work can also be adapted for other projects involving the need for detection or characterization of concealed objects, such us screening portals for security applications, buried agricultural produce and medical applications. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Agriculture, Food and Drink |
| Description | This research has contributed to the development of low-cost landmine detectors for use in humanitarian demining projects. Buried landmines have a large societal impact because of the impact on their victims, often leading to amputations. Furthermore they impede economic recovery in post-conflict zones. By contributing to research into better equipment at lower cost, this project aims to improve demining speeds and lower costs, improving the quality of life of people living mine-affected areas. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2018 |
| Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Electronics |
| Impact Types | Societal |
| Description | Find a Better Way Funding Topup |
| Amount | £12,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Find a Better Way |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2016 |
| End | 09/2019 |
| Description | President's Doctoral Scholarship |
| Amount | £3,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Manchester |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2016 |
| End | 09/2019 |
| Description | Open Days and UCAS Vist Days |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Recurring UCAS visit days over the course of a year with approximately 50 prospective undergraduates and their parents visiting the research lab to see a presentation and demonstration on the landmine detection research. For two years I also participated during the UCAS lunches, to discuss my research area with prospective students. I also participated in approximately four Open Days during this time period, where I answered questions about my research area. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018 |
| Description | Platform for Investigation at the Museum for Science and Industry |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | On 9th February I helped to organise an event at the Museum of Science and Industry as part of their Platform for Investigation series. This event was completely focused on the landmine detection problem, and the research being done by myself and the other people on this project. The event lasted approximately 5 hours and was visited by over 1,000 visitors. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Postgraduate Research Summer Showcase |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I presented a poster at the Postgraduate Research Summer Showcase in 2017, for which I won an award for the best poster in FSE. This event is open to all members of the Unversity and the general public. In 2018 I presented an interactive Poster (iPoster) at the Postgraduate Research Summer Showcase. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
| Description | Royal Society Research Summer Showcase |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | I helped my research group with our activity at the 2021 Royal Society Research Summer Showcase, which took place online due to Covid. We did Q&A sessions with schools, a recorded lightning lecture and an online, hands-on workshop for children and parents. We also prepared an informative online game and website for this activity. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |