Location and Characterization of Unexploded Ordnance-Like Targets With a Portable Transient Electromagnetic System

Location and characterization of a buried target from its electromagnetic induction response is a key problem for unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection. This article focuses on the influence of target size, depth, and orientation on its location and characterization on the basis of single dipole model with differential evolution (DE) algorithm against data collected by a portable transient electromagnetic (TEM) system. The sensor of the portable TEM system is composed of a single-layer transmitting coil and five three-component receiving coils. The diameter and current of transmitting coil are 0.5 m and 5 A. The length and resonant frequency of receiving coil are 5.6 cm and 180 kHz. The results of test-stand experiment show that the errors in location and characterization an underground target depend not only on the signal-to-noise ratio of the response, but also on the orientation of the target. For large target vertically (tail down) oriented, the estimated depth and characteristic response only represent the part of target close to the sensor, which are smaller than the real ones. For target flat-lying oriented, the algorithm overestimates both the depth and the characteristic response for the nonuniform primary field throughout the target. Finally, field experiment has been conducted. In general, the target can be located and characterized well even if the response of two targets is superimposed. The errors in estimated positions of about 5–7 cm support the conclusions from our test-stand experiment. These errors are especially critical when excavating targets.