Gasser, Russell (2000) Technology for humanitarian landmine clearance. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis examines the technology used for tools and equipment for humanitarian
landmine clearance. The main focus is on the removal of mine and unxeploded ordnance
contamination in the poor, heavily mined countries, particularly Afghanistan
and Cambodia.
Initially, the process of humanitarian demining in these countries was examined and
described, and the relevant literature reviewed.
Three studies were undertaken with a dual purpose of (a) providing relevant contributions
to the science of mine clearance and (b) evaluating some of the methods
commonly used in humanitarian demining research.
(i) A statistical analysis of the evaluation of mine detection systems in trials was
undertaken. This demonstrated that (a) this statistical analysis is straightforward,
and (b) feasible sized trials do not yield useful results from analysis of the crude minedetection
rate. An enhancement to the evaluation process, "Margin of Detection,"
was suggested.
(ii) Research into improved "prodders" for detecting mines was undertaken with as
much consultation with deminers as possible early in the research cycle. "Sensing
prodders" were shown to function technically but not to improve the overall demining
process. Measurements showed that many deminers prod in hard soils with
suÆcient force to detonate some mines; rotary prodders were developed to reduce
the force required for excavation, but success in the laboratory could not be duplicated
in eld conditions. From this work a potentially useful tool for deminer
training was developed, which might reduce the risks of accidental detonation.
(iii) The limits of a high-tech detection technique (neutron irradiation and detection
of prompt gamma rays) were examined (a) to advance understanding of this method
and (b) to demonstrate the feasibility of early evaluation of technologies before
extensive research is started. This neutron technology was shown to oer potential
benets to military demining, but to be unlikely to have general application when the
higher clearance standards and lower equipment budgets of humanitarian demining
were applied.
The thesis ends with conclusions and suggestions for some further work.
Throughout the thesis, the research is focussed on investigating practical problems
which deminers have suggested as important constraints on their work.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	U Military Science > U Military Science (General)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Land mines -- Detection
Official Date:	2000
Dates:	Date Event 2000 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	School of Engineering
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Thomas, Terence H.
Sponsors:	Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Susannah Cole Trust
Extent:	xi, 173 leaves : ill., charts
Language:	English

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