ENGS 89/90 Reports

Degree Program

B.E.

Year of Graduation

2020 and 2019

Project Advisor

Ryan J. Halter

Instructor

Ryan J. Halter

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

Winter 3-1-2019

Abstract

UXOs can range from small bomblets to artillery shells that have failed to explode and are found all over the world. Within the US alone, twenty new sites are found yearly. UXOs pose a significant threat to civilian lives and prevent development of land where they are found.

Our sponsor, White River Technologies (WRT), has developed a device of 7 transmitter coils that integrates geophysical mapping technology for UXO detection. This method of detection uses transmitter coils that produce magnetic pulses and receiver coils. The current iteration of the system is heavy, bulky, difficult to transport, and takes weeks to manufacture, making it inconvenient for users and inefficient to produce. To approach this problem, the group designed a device that is lighter, more aesthetic, easier to transport, and can be disassembled. The system is designed to function in conjunction with WRT’s mapping and analysis procedures.

To fulfill the requirements established for weight reduction in the new design, we conducted a materials analysis and determined fiberglass was the superior material for construction as it is strong, UV resistant, and inexpensive. The cross-sectional area for the transmitter coils was reduced by 21% while still permitting the same number of turns in the coil for the electromagnetic system. WRT’s device is also difficult to transport because of its large shipping volume. In our design it is possible to disassemble the entire device into 7 individual transmitter coils. This allows the user to carry individual coils and therefore less weight at a time - the coils can also fit into smaller spaces during shipping. While assembly time is an added responsibility for the user, we have minimized it by making assembly quick and intuitive. Angle brackets provide guides for placement and orientation of each coil. It is also possible for the user to keep the device as a fixed entity if they choose since the device has the option to remain bolted together.

WRT currently take weeks to manufacture a single UXO detection system. A large portion of that time is spent winding the six receiver cubes that detect the induced magnetic field from underground explosives. Each cube consists of 660 turn of 26AWG wire that are manually wound by employees at WRT. Each cube takes approximately 6 hours to wind if done correctly. It is inefficient, costly and requires an excessive amount of labor. Instead of developing a coil winder for this specific need, the group has located a coil winding company in New Hampshire that this procedure can be outsourced to. This will allow WRT to spend less time manufacturing.

Our group is providing WRT with a working prototype to scale, a CAD model, design material analysis, design drawings of all device parts, process documentation, cost and time estimates for device construction, prototype performance test data, and an outsourcing solution to reduce coil labor hours. A build book will be provided to WRT for instructions on assembly. We have worked to conduct testing and ensure that the new design functions and meets the requirements specified. Our faculty advisor, Professor Shubitidze, has done extensive research in UXO sensing and has helped us understand the EM detection system in conjunction with our design.

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