Matrix Characterization in Threat Material Detection Processes
- Institute Ruder Boskovic, Bijenicka c. 54, Zagreb (Croatia)
Matrix characterization in the threat material detection is of utmost importance, it generates the background against which the threat material signal has to be identified. Threat materials (explosive, chemical warfare, ...) are usually contained within small volume inside large volumes of variable matrices. We have studied the influence of matrix materials on the capability of neutron systems to identify hidden threat material. Three specific scenarios are considered in some details: case 1--contraband material in the sea containers, case 2 - explosives in soil (landmines), case 3 - explosives and chemical warfare on the sea bottom. Effects of container cargo material on tagged neutron system are seen in the increase of gamma background and the decrease of neutron beam intensity. Detection of landmines is more complex because of variable soil properties. We have studied in detail space and time variations of soil elemental compositions and in particular hydrogen content (humidity). Of special interest are ammunitions and chemical warfare on the sea bottom, damping sites and leftovers from previous conflicts (WW-I, WW-II and local). In this case sea sediment is background source and its role is similar to the role of the soil in the landmine detection. In addition to geochemical cycling of chemical elements in semi-enclosed sea, like the Adriatic Sea, one has to consider also anthropogenic influence, especially when studying small scale variations in concentration levels. Some preliminary experimental results obtained with tagged neutron sensor inside an underwater vehicle are presented as well as data on sediment characterization by X-Ray Fluorescence.
- OSTI ID:
- 21289598
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1099, Issue 1; Conference: CAARI 2008: 12. international conference on application of accelerators in research and industry, Fort Worth, TX (United States), 10-15 Aug 2008; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.3120103; (c) 2009 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Associated-particle sealed-tube neutron probe: Detection of explosives, contraband, and nuclear materials
Enabling Explosives and Contraband Detection with Neutron Resonant Attenuation. Year 1 of 3 Summary
Related Subjects
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
CARGO
CHEMICAL WARFARE
CONTAINERS
DETECTION
EMISSION SPECTRA
EXPLOSIVES
HYDROGEN
MATRIX MATERIALS
MULTI-ELEMENT ANALYSIS
NEUTRON BEAMS
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
RUTHERFORD BACKSCATTERING SPECTROSCOPY
SEDIMENTS
SOILS
X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS
X-RAY SPECTRA