Simulation of thermal contrast on solar radiated sand surfaces containing buried minelike objects

This paper reports on the thermal physics for buried objects in sandy soil and how a numerical model can predict when detectable thermal contrasts arise on the surface. Results from experiments made in an indoor test landscape, using a sandbox and a solar panel with measuring instruments, and outdoor test landscape with minelike objects buried in sand, are compared to simulated data from a numerical model. The different temperatures on the surface were sampled throughout the experiments. Infrared cameras working in the 2-5 and 8-12 micrometer bands were used in order to record images of the surface. The simulation was carried out using the Finite Element Method. The simulation shows sufficient agreement with the experimental results, where the temperatures were studied for the surface above the buried object and its neighbouring soil surface. Our understanding of when it is most favourable to search for minefields has grown and we can simulate how great the contrasts expect to be. With these results we can adjust our image processing in order to reach maximal effectiveness for the actual circumstances