Nonlinear seismo-acoustic land mine detection and discrimination

A novel technique for detection and discrimination of artificial objects, such as land mines, pipes, containers, etc., buried in the ground, has been developed and tested. The developed approach utilizes vibration (using seismic or airborne acoustic waves) of buried objects, remote measurements of soil surface vibration (using laser or microwave vibrometers), and processing of the measured vibration to extract mine's "vibration signatures." The technique does not depend upon the material from which the mine is fabricated whether it be metal, plastic, wood, or any other material. It depends upon the fact that a mine is a "container" whose purpose is to contain explosive materials and associated detonation apparatus. The mine container is in contact with the soil in which it is buried. The container is an acoustically compliant article, whose compliance is notably different from the compliance of the surrounding soil. Dynamic interaction of the compliant container and soil on top of it leads to specific linear and nonlinear effects used for mine detection and discrimination. The mass of the soil on top of a compliant container creates a classical mass-spring system with a well-defined resonance response. Besides, the connection between mass (soil) and spring (mine) is not elastic (linear) but rather nonlinear, due to the separation of the soil/mine interface in the tensile phase of applied dynamic stress. These two effects, constituting the mine's vibration signature have been measured in numerous laboratory and field tests, which proved that the resonance and nonlinear responses of a mine/soil system can be used for detection and discrimination of buried mines. Thus, the fact that the mine is buried is turned into a detection advantage. Because the seismo-acoustic technique intrinsically detects buried containers, it can discriminate mines from noncompliant false targets such as rocks, tree roots, chunks of metal, bricks, etc. This was also confirmed experimentally in laboratory and field tests.     

Threat localization in QR explosive detection systems

The detection of explosives for the purpose of aviation security is an important task for preventing terrorism acts and smuggling. A number of methods for explosive screening have been developed. For the purpose of aviation security, the inspections are performed on passengers, their carry-on luggage, checked baggage, and cargo containers. An effective explosive detection system should be capable of reporting the type of energetic material, the mass, the object shape and its location within the volume being scanned. Quadrupole resonance (QR) is a mature technique for detecting and classifying explosives concealed in unopened containers. We report recent research on threat localization techniques, aimed to enhance the efficiency of QR-based baggage scanner systems. The methods investigated for threat localization are based on the effect of inhomogeneous static magnetic fields, nonuniform radio-frequency excitation, and the use of spatially selective radio-frequency coils for one- and two-dimensional mapping.     

含铝炸药水中爆炸冲击波相似律适应性探索

针对含铝炸药非理想性显著的特点,探索其水中爆炸后远场冲击波相似律的适用性。实验在8 kg当量TNT的爆炸水池中进行,在距离爆心不同位置处测量了冲击波压力剖面曲线,得到了峰值压力和压力衰减时间,结合量纲分析方法和含铝炸药的特点,对冲击波相似律适用性问题进行了探讨。实验结果表明,对于含铝炸药来说,存在着峰值压力相似而时间常数不太相似的特点,这与铝粉的二次反应放能有关。     

近红外光谱在爆炸物粉末表面沾染遥测中的应用

针对爆炸恐怖事件预防和打击领域内的大范围开放空间下制爆运爆可疑人员衣物表面沾染爆炸物粉末检测问题,研究基于近红外光谱的爆炸物粉末表面沾染遥测方法。研制了一套近红外成像光谱数据采集系统,采集了多种爆炸物粉末和沾染基底的近红外反射光谱,制备了多个爆炸物粉末表面沾染样本。针对表面沾染检测应用中爆炸物粉末与沾染基底近红外反射特征混叠问题,利用近红外光谱数据处理技术构建近红外光谱解混校正模型,去除了沾染基底信号对爆炸物粉末目标识别的干扰。针对遥测应用中光源照射不均匀问题造成的干扰（如强光反射造成的光谱信号饱和,光线遮挡造成阴影引起的信号微弱,引起光谱反射率测量异常问题）,对目标校正得分图进行有效过滤避免误识别问题。此外,针对背景噪声较大时出现光谱预处理过度造成的误识别问题,利用目标原始光谱反射率均值和得分图综合判别加以校正解决。通过实验验证,提出的方法成功解决了表面沾染特征混叠问题、去除了遥测中光照及其他噪声因素的干扰影响,避免了误分类,在典型背景材质棉麻、化纤布料基底上成功识别分类AP（高氯酸铵）、CL-20（六硝基六氮杂异伍兹烷）、NQ（硝基胍）、RDX（黑索金）、TATB（三氨基三硝基苯）、硝娣（工业炸药）、烟花爆竹等爆炸物粉末单质及混合物,验证了系统及方法的有效性和可行性,首次在实验室环境下实现了爆炸物粉末表面沾染遥测成像报警,有效距离可达数十米,具备一定应用价值与发展潜力。     

基于核四极矩共振原理的炸药探测方法研究与实验

介绍了一种基于核四极矩共振（Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance, NQR）原理的炸药探测方法及其基本原理和其用于炸药探测的依据,提出了一种可行的基于核四极矩共振原理的炸药检测系统,描述了其结构组成、工作原理及实验方法,并给出了对黑索金（RDX）、梯恩梯（TNT）、奥克托今（HMX）、太恩（PETN）和特屈儿（TETRYL）炸药的测试实验结果. 实验表明该方法可行,能实现对以上炸药的探测.     

应用分形理论探讨炸药的撞击感度

 根据分形几何的周长-面积公式及线性回归原理,对TATB等六种炸药样品的落锤试验的分幅图像进行了图像处理和分形维数计算。从中发现,越钝感的炸药样品,分形维数越大。因此,可以认为,用炸药样品的分形维数来鉴别撞击感度是基本可行的。     

五边形截面的Ag纳米线局域表面等离子体共振模式

五边形截面的单晶Ag纳米线对ZnO量子点荧光具有增强的现象. 为解释这一现象, 利用时域有限差分法对五边形截面的Ag纳米线的局域表面等离子体共振模式进行了理论模拟. 结果表明, 五边形截面的Ag纳米线在紫外区域存在两个消光峰, 分别由Ag纳米线的横向偶极共振(340 nm)和四极共振(375 nm)引起; 这两个消光峰与ZnO量子点荧光增强峰相一致, 而且随着Ag纳米线的半径增大而红移; 消光峰对应的共振模式取决于Ag纳米线的截面形状; 根据Ag纳米线电场增强倍数与激发光波长变化关系曲线可知, 最大增强电场位于五边形截面的顶点处, 而边线处电场增强较小. 理论模拟的结果较好地解释了Ag纳米线/ZnO量子点体系的荧光增强现象, 也为Ag纳米线在提高半导体材料发光效率、生物探测等方面的应用提供有益的参考.     

Detection of explosives with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Our recent work on the detection of explosives by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is reviewed in this paper. We have studied the physical mechanism of laser-induced plasma of an organic explosive, TNT. The LIBS spectra of TNT under single-photon excitation are simulated using MATLAB. The variations of the atomic emission lines intensities of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen versus the plasma temperature are simulated too. We also investigate the time-resolved LIBS spectra of a common inorganic explosive, black powder, in two kinds of surrounding atmospheres, air and argon, and find that the maximum value of the O atomic emission line SBR of black powder occurs at a gate delay of 596 ns. Another focus of our work is on using chemometic methods such as principle component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to distinguish the organic explosives from organic materials such as plastics. A PLS-DA model for classification is built. TNT and seven types of plastics are chosen as samples to test the model. The experimental results demonstrate that LIBS coupled with the chemometric techniques has the capacity to discriminate organic explosive from plastics.     

A Brief Review of Elasticity and Viscoelasticity for Solids

There are a number of interesting applications where modeling elastic and/or viscoelastic materials is fundamental, including uses in civil engineering, the food industry, land mine detection and ultrasonic imaging. Here we provide an overview of the subject for both elastic and viscoelastic materials in order to understand the behavior of these materials. We begin with a brief introduction of some basic terminology and relationships in continuum mechanics, and a review of equations of motion in a continuum in both Lagrangian and Eulerian forms. To complete the set of equations, we then proceed to present and discuss a number of specific forms for the constitutive relationships between stress and strain proposed in the literature for both elastic and viscoelastic materials. In addition, we discuss some applications for these constitutive equations. Finally, we give a computational example describing the motion of soil experiencing dynamic loading by incorporating a specific form of constitutive equation into the equation of motion.     

Embedded particle size distribution and its effect on detonation in composite explosives

This paper discusses the effects of stochastically varying inert particle parameters on the long-term behaviour of detonation front propagation. The simulation model involves a series of cylindrical high explosive unit cells, each embedded with an inert spherical particle. Detonation shock dynamics theory postulates that the velocity of the shock front in the explosive fluid is related to its curvature. In our previous work, we derived a series of partial differential equations that govern the propagation of the shock front passing over the inert particles and developed a computationally efficient simulation environment to study the model over extremely long timescales. We expand upon that project by randomising several properties of the inert particles to represent experimental designs better. First, we randomise the particle diameters according to the Weibull distribution. Then we discuss stochastic particle spacing methods and their effects on the predictability of the shock wave speed. Finally, we discuss mixtures of plastic and metal particles and material inconsistency among the particles.     

A particle level-set based Eulerian method for multi-material detonation simulation of high explosive and metal confinements

The multi-material numerical simulation for energetic system that consists of a high explosive charge and an inert confinement is carried out with an accurate and state-of-the-art Eulerian method. An explosively driven copper tube results in a state of extreme temperature and pressure, coupled to a high speed structural response of metal due to a detonating high explosive (HE). We use the experimentally tuned Ignition and Growth (or JWL++) rate equation for the HE while the elasto-plastic response of inert is modeled by the Mie–Gruneisen equation of state (EOS) and the Johnson–Cook strength model. A new particle level-set based reactive Ghost Fluid Method (GFM) that imposes exact boundary conditions at the material’s interface according to physical restraints is developed to simulate the multi-material detonation problem. Our calculations reproduce the experimental data of both unconfined and confined rate stick problems, suggesting that the method is suitable for detonation simulation of energetic systems.     

Optical phonons in semiconductor quantum rods

Surface polar-optical phonons are analyzed for semiconductor quantum rods (QR). The cylindrical symmetry is modelled in the form of a prolate spheroid where the aspect-ratio is identified with the corresponding ratio of the ellipsoid semiaxes. Using a theory based on the dielectric continuum approach, we consider a single CdSe QR inserted in a host material, assumed as an infinite dielectric, and viewed as an inactive rigid medium to the oscillations. Our results for CdSe are discussed, together with the differences from spherical and quasi-spherical quantum dots. We believe these are important steps to help the understanding of future experiments in this new class of materials.     

A Confidential QR Code Approach with Higher Information Privacy

In present times, barcode decoders on mobile phones can extract the data content of QR codes. However, this convenience raises concerns about security issues when using QR codes to transmit confidential information, such as e-tickets, coupons, and other private data. Moreover, current secret hiding techniques are unsuitable for QR code applications since QR codes are module-oriented, which is different from the pixel-oriented hiding manner. In this article, we propose an algorithm to conceal confidential information by changing the modules of the QR Code. This new scheme designs the triple module groups based on the concept of the error correction capability. Additionally, this manner can conceal two secret bits by changing only one module, and the amount of hidden confidential information can be twice the original amount. As a result, the ordinary data content (such as URL) can be extracted correctly from the generated QR code by any barcode decoders, which does not affect the readability of scanning. Furthermore, only authorized users with the secret key can further extract the concealed confidential information. This designed scheme can provide secure and reliable applications for the QR system.     

The use of explosion in fabrication of new materials

Abstract

The energy of high explosives have been widely used for some time in improving characteristics of the existing materials as well as for creating new materials having good prospects for different technological applications. The two last decades witnessed especially remarkable results in this field. In this paper we shall give a concise review of explosive metal hardening and welding processes, explosive compaction of metalxnon-metal materials as well as of the equipment used in industrial applications of these and some other processes of explosive treatment of materials.     

A rapid technique for synthesis of metallic nanoparticles for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Incubator‐shaker method was used as a rapid technique to fabricate an efficient surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate by combination of zero valent nanostructures and carbon fiber, which shows dramatic Raman enhancement of nitroaromatic molecule. The fabricated Ag nanoparticle on carbon‐fiber substrate (Ag–C) was used as an efficient SERS substrate to detect the adsorbed 2, 4‐dinitrotoluene molecules with a detection limit of 50 ppm. In advent, our developed SERS substrates could have great potential in detecting other nitro‐aromatic based‐explosive materials, such as 2, 4, 6‐trinitrotoluene molecules. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamics of detonation waves in a channel with variable cross section and filled with bubbly fluid

The flow of bubbly fluid comprising a mixture of bubbles filled with explosive and inert gases, which is driven through a converging channel, was studied. Depending on the velocity of the hummer hitting the bubbly fluid boundary, the flow may be accompanied by the development of detonation waves which compress the bubbles with inert gas.     

A theoretical model for quantum nanostructures electronic wave functions, magnetic field effects

Analytical solutions of electronic wave functions in symmetric quantum ring (QR), quantum wire (QWR) and quantum dots (QD) structures are given using a parabolic coordinates system. The solutions for low-energy states are combinations of Bessel functions. The density of states of perfect 1D QR and QWR are shown to be equivalent. The continuous evolution from a 0D QD to a perfect 1D QR can be precisely described. The sharp variation of electronic properties, related to the build up of a potential energy barrier at the early stage of the QR formation, is studied analytically. Paramagnetic and diamagnetic couplings to a magnetic field are computed for QR and QD. It is shown theoretically that magnetic field induces an oscillation of the magnetization in QR.     

Studies on 2,4-DNT Mixtures Using Reflection Terahertz Time Domain Spectroscopy for Explosives Detection

Absorption spectra （0.2-1.8 THz） of the mixtures of explosive 2,4-DNT and polyethylene（PE） at different ratios are obtained using reflection terahertz time domain spectroscopy （THz-TDS）. The pronounced absorption peak of 2,4-DNT at 1.08 THz is always observed for the mixtures with 2,4-DNT ratios above 20%. Experimental results demonstrate that more applicable and realistic THz-TDS in reflection geometry can be used to distinguish explosive mixed with other material having no THz fingerprints, and has a high potential in the detection of explosives.     

太赫兹时域光谱技术用于老化炸药检测

库存炸药老化情况的检测对炸药的性能、安全性和稳定性研究意义重大.现有的老化炸药检测手段,如扫描显微技术,傅里叶变换红外光谱技术,气相色谱-质谱技术等,或者不能分辨炸药老化与否,或者只能从表观上进行分析,不能反映炸药分子结构的变化.首先应用密度泛函理论(DFT),计算了炸药老化前后分子吸收频谱变化,从计算结果可以看出炸药分子老化前后的吸收光谱在老化前后变化明显;然后分析了太赫兹时域光谱(THz-TDS)系统及其分辨率和测量频谱范围,结合已有实验结果以及太赫兹波本身的特点,从可行性、准确性和实用性三方面对太赫兹时域光谱技术应用于炸药老化检测进行了论证,从而提出了应用太赫兹时域光谱技术进行炸药老化检测的新方法.     

Identification of standard explosive traces by infrared laser spectroscopy: PCA on LPAS data

Infrared spectroscopy based methods are promising in the design of an integrated optical system for the real time detection and identification of explosive species to support homeland security. Infrared laser photoacoustic spectroscopy (LPAS) analysis of explosive compounds (DNT; TNT; RDX; HMX; TATP; PETN; TETRYL) and TOLUENE was reported. Standard commercial samples of the explosive species were analyzed in solid phase by a home made PAS apparatus equipped with a stabilized 10 W continuous wave CO₂ laser source. A very small amount (less than 100 ??g) of the sample was sufficient to produce a clear signal in a 3 cc volume PA cell. The spectral data were treated by a principal component analysis (PCA) based algorithm. In a three principal components representation of the results, every explosive species resulted to be very well distinguishable from each other, as well as from toluene and other solvents. The reported experimental activity was performed in the Molecular Spectroscopy Laboratory of ENEA Research Centre in Frascati in the frame of ISOTREX European Project.