Elastic waves interacting with buried land mines: a study using the FDTD method

A three-dimensional (3-D) finite-difference model for elastic waves in the ground has been developed and implemented. The model has been created to supplement the development of a sensor that uses elastic waves to detect buried land mines. The model is used to investigate the propagation characteristics of elastic waves in the ground and to explore the interaction of elastic waves with buried land mines. When elastic waves interact with a buried mine, a strong resonance occurs at the mine location. The resonance can be used to enhance the mine's signature and to distinguish the mine from clutter. Results presented in this paper explain the features of elastic wave propagation in the ground and show the interaction of elastic waves with both an anti-personnel mine and an anti-tank mine.