Numerical Analysis of a Sensorized Prodder for Landmine Detection by Using its Vibrational Characteristics

Abstract

Prodders are widely used devices in landmine detection. A sensorized prodder has been developed to detect shallow buried landmines by their vibrational characteristics. However, the influencing mechanisms of prodder’s components on the measured vibrational characteristics are not clear, and the vibration intensity of the buried landmine decreases with burial depth. A numerical analysis method is proposed to investigate the effects of parameters of prodder-object coupling system on the measured vibrational characteristics. The calculated main resonance frequency is 109.2 Hz, which corresponds well with the published analogy result of 110 Hz, and the mathematical method is also validated by the previous experimental results. Based on the proposed analysis method, an optimized prodder is designed, whereby the signal strength can theoretically increase 122.78%, which means that a greater depth of detection can be acquired. This optimal design is verified by the simulation experiment that was conducted with the optimization function of Adams software.