Cranfield Defence and Security Doctoral Symposia
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The CDS Doctoral Symposia is the only UK conference to provide research students and early career researchers in defence and security with an opportunity to present their work to a sector-wide audience. Covering both technology and social sciences research, contributions include paper presentations, a 3MT (three-minute thesis) competition, digital images and posters.
In addition, there are plenary talks from thought-leaders, as well as opportunities to interact with industry, publishers and other employers of defence and security researchers.
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Browsing Cranfield Defence and Security Doctoral Symposia by Type "Image"
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Item Open Access A picture from thousands of words(Cranfield University, 2020-01-08 15:08) Oishee, Kundu,The UK government announced its intention to purchase aircraft carriers in July 1998 and in December 2017 the first of the two ships were delivered to the Royal Navy. Newspaper reports on the procurement of the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers have varied in their sentiment over the two decades- sometimes expressing positive, congratulatory emotions of pride and joy and at other times expressing criticism, anger, and despair at project management and outcomes. The image is a normalized plot of sentiment scores associated with 2,688 articles published in eleven British newspapers (broadsheets and tabloids) between 1998 and 2018, where sentiment scores have been calculated using the sentimentr package in R. This research method allows viewing project history at a glance, identifying and investigating critical periods of success and failure, accounting for wider public opinion towards public projects, and extracting greater meaning from textual data with speed and consistency.Item Open Access Absence of Presence(Cranfield University, 2020-01-10 08:45) Binti zulkifli, SafiahThe tiny the object, the more difficult it is to detect. Failed to detect does not simply signifies the absence of presence. The object may be camouflage and immersed in this huge world - as this image demonstrates! With a booming micro-drones easily available for all walks of life, it is hugely possible for these drones to perform stealthy surveillance being unnoticeable. But, wait! This fact can be avoidable with a specifically design radar for a micro-size target detection. By extracting micro-Doppler signature which is induced by mechanical vibration or rotation from a target – in this case is the flapping wings enable the presence more significant and visible. It is the time to monitor the usage of this presence to avoid illegal and illicit activities for further exploitation. Full control of the latest technology ensure the harmonic and peaceful environment.Item Open Access An Introduction to Intelligence Engineering: Operating Beyond the Conventional(Cranfield University, 2020-01-08 15:32) Svendsen, AdamContemporary defence and security enterprise efforts can be viably improved. With an overarching focus on ‘ways’, ‘means’, up and across to realising operational and strategic-ranging ‘ends’, this presentation advances a substantially-structured, multi-scaler ‘Intelligence Engineering’ (IE)-based framework and ‘step-by-step’ toolbox useful for both deployment and employment for a multitude of purposes - essentially whatever is to be accomplished. As the presentation goes on to reveal, the IE framework can contribute towards helping progress several tasks, such as including -but not limited to -the work of interest to several different high-level leaders and policy- to decision-makers and other share-/ stakeholders, end-users, customers or clients. Both ‘situational awareness’ to deeper-ranging ‘contextualisation’ assistance value is offered. The different process ‘steps’ cover diverse areas such as, inter alia: ‘focus/topic selection’ through to the fashioning of ‘signifier node(s)’ for helping in decision-making both now and into the future. Concluding, the presentation highlights that the entire process involved facilitates: (i) greater risk appreciation; and then (ii) subsequent risk management; as well as even advancing (iii) risk engineering to resilience qualities. This is in overall defence and security enterprises and endeavours (however precisely they might be defined or determined) during an era when much uncertainty is encountered.Item Open Access Artificially Intelligent Targeting(Cranfield University, 2020-01-15 15:24) Westlake, SamuelThe aim of this project is the development of new techniques for infrared anti-ship missile seekers. This image illustrates how we are using deep learning to detect, recognise and classify multiple ships. Our algorithm can differentiate between military and civilian vessels, and is even robust against the presence of infrared countermeasures and background clutter.In most cases, training deep learning algorithms requires thousands, if not millions, of carefully labelled examples. This presents a major challenge for the application of deep learning to infrared missile seekers, as the availability of such training data is extremely limited. To over come this, we simulated multiple thermal signatures for ten different ships and used these to synthetically generate a large and realistic data set. This data was then used to train our artificial neural network, and the subsequent model performed successfully on real-world infrared test data.Item Open Access Breast cancer at the micrometre scale(Cranfield University, 2020-11-27 09:28) Gosling, SarahMicrocalcifications are deposits of calcium phosphate commonly found in association with some types of breast cancer. Calcifications are usually detected as bright white spots on a mammogram. Diagnosis of some breast diseases is linked to the morphology and distribution of microcalcifications, but these deposits are rarely investigated as individual entities.Multiple techniques have been used to investigate individual calcifications, including histological staining (H&E), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis (EDS) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Together, these techniques allow a better understanding of the structure of the crystalline and tissue elements of breast calcifications at the micrometre scale, which may provide an insight in their formation mechanisms and possible functions. Ultimately, deciphering calcification chemistry could lead to their use as novel prognostic markers for breast disease.Item Open Access Capturing blast impact on helmets(Cranfield University, 2020-11-27 10:21) Bloodworth-Race, SusieWhen shielded from the fireball and fragmentation of an explosion, the blastwave can still cause multiple injuries, with increasing prevalence of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) noticed amongst survivors. Relatively low peak overpressures can result in Blast-Induced Mild TBI (bTBI), with significant deterioration in mental health manifesting as anxiety, behavioural changes, even loss of fine motor control, symptoms which can often be confused with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).The image shows a helmet blast impact from a compressed air shocktube, the resulting movement of head and helmet captured with high speed video. The moment of impact can be seen in the top sector with the shockwave captured as a vertical band of compressed air just behind the front of the head. The helmet is lifted, rotated backwards, held by the chinstrap and bounced back down onto the head, resulting in multiple possible mechanisms for bTBI.Item Open Access Diamond From the Sky(Cranfield University, 2018-11-15 13:15) Corbett, BrandonDigital image presented at the 2018 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.The image presented is an example of a high resolution airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) collection, covering a 1km x 0.6km area above the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, and includes the UK’s synchrotron Diamond Light Source. The data was collected using Airbus’ X-band quad-polarised SAR airborne platform. In total there were 55609 measurements along the aircraft trajectory, equating to 14GB of measurement data. This raw data was then processed into SAR imagery using parallel processing of the back-projection image formation algorithm using "Cranfield University"’s High Performance Computing facility. The image is a colour composite combining all 4 polarisations. Red represent the vertical polarisation (VV), green represents the horizontal polarisation (HH) and blue is the sum of the cross polarisations (VH and HV). The result is an extremely detailed 30000x18000 pixel SAR image. High resolution datasets like this aid in the development of new image formation and analysis algorithms and provide the user with a clean and clear reference to work with.Item Open Access Fundamental Research(Cranfield University, 2017-11-15 12:01) Lancereau, DamienDigital image presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.On this picture: My supervisor (Hugh Goyder) and me, in front of my experimental workbench. This image presents two generations of researchers. It reminds us of the continual evolution of the sciences. Behind, the metal frame isolates the suspended test items from ambient vibration. The two large cast iron beds minimize the transmission of ground vibration (car traffic seismic, steps). A beam is suspended by two almost invisible fishing wires from the frame; it is ready for vibration testing. With this setup, it is possible to do fundamental research on the dynamics of built-up structures. Our goal is to understand what is happening inside a connection between two parts of the beam during vibration.Item Open Access Giving an Antenna a Pair of Glasses(Cranfield University, 2017-11-15 12:02) Wirth, SebastianDigital image presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.This shows a close up image of a novel 3D printed flat microwave lens. The lens synthesises a conventional hyperbolic profile by digitally adjusting the air/ABS plastic density in the radial direction. The resultant synthetic lens is light and compact and offers a performance enhancement component to many antennas and arrays.Item Open Access Interior Illuminations(Cranfield University, 2023-01-04T12:28:01Z) Mcgregor, JamieThis image was gained from placing the head of a common LED torch into a 610 Xradia Versa System with an overall scan time of ~90 hours. By using a single high-resolution scan, a full 3D digital volume of the torch has been made which allows for us to view its inner components without damaging the object. Through analysing the data, it becomes clear which features represent the battery, circuitry, springs, buttons and aluminium within the torch. My PhD is centred around using X-Ray data to identify the defects and elements within metallic alloys for benefit to the quality control and manufacture processes. The use of these systems is both extremely time consuming and resourcefully expensive; being able to gain robust data from a single scan is invaluable for future research and efficiency.Item Open Access Nuclear Power: Finding the missing piece(Cranfield University, 2022-11-22T14:40:32Z) Mirza, MateenThere is now a clear consensus that our energy demands must be met through lower carbon solutions. As our global population continues to rise and aspires to higher living standards we are faced with increasingly ambitious energy targets in the transport, industry and power sectors. Nuclear power remains one of the few reliable energy sources. However, there remains a missing piece to the puzzle. Whether this relates to spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, the ongoing issue of waste disposal or improving our fleet of nuclear reactor systems is left to the viewer's thoughts.Item Open Access On a given iteration during training, which pixel should we select?(Cranfield University, 2020-01-08 15:34) Chatterjee, AyanOn a given training iteration, visualise yourself physically standing on a residual error map. Assume (i) the pixel with the smallest residual error is likely the most learned material. And, (ii) the pixel with the maximum error is probably the least learned material. Simultaneous orthogonal marching pursuit (SOMP) residue is a way to estimate the residual error rapidly with dictionary atoms. In a real scene, there is noise and outliers. However, by selecting the pixels with the maximum SOMP residue at each iteration, one can learn both background and trace materials blindly. Learning trace materials is critical for essential applications like target detection. (IEEE Letters of the Computer Society publication DOI: 10.1109/LOCS.2019.2938446, pre-print available from Cranfield CERES)Item Open Access Reflections and Their Real Space Significance(Cranfield University, 2020-11-27 10:01) Arnold, EmilyBone is a complex composite material made up of three main components, the most abundant of which is the mineral hydroxyapatite. Within many species, hydroxyapatite naturally occurs as a nanocrystalline material, making accurate analysis difficult. Brilliant X-ray sources are used to allow measurement of a much wider range of angular data (from Q = 0.05 to 60 Å-1) than a traditional laboratory X-ray diffractometer (from Q = 0.1 to 8 Å-1). Shown here is diffraction data collected at Diamond Light Source on the dedicated total scattering beamline I15-1. Debye-Scherrer rings can be seen, allowing measurement of crystallographic parameters within reciprocal space. Shadows are seen from the sample changer and an additional detector. This beamline allows for the observation of local coordination of atoms from 0.1nm to 5 nm (through pair distribution function analysis) while simultaneously measuring average crystallite structure.Item Open Access Structure of an Insensitive High Explosive formulation under a microscope(Cranfield University, 2020-11-27 10:07) Gutierrez Carazo, EncinaIMX-104 is an Insensitive High Explosive containing a mixture of 3-Nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO), 2,4- dinitroanisole (DNAN) and cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX). Due to its novelty, little is known about its potential toxicity and persistence in the environment and which has raised questions regarding its behaviour.Small flakes were placed under a Leica DM LM microscope to observe their microscopic structure and investigate the formulation process. The picture was taken using a ten times lense (10x) and reflected light. The scale shows the size of the flakes (in mm) and the fragments in focus were approximately 70 µm.Item Open Access The Frankenstein Syndrome(Cranfield University, 2017-11-15 12:00) Field, MeganDigital image presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.Automation of technology and systems across such domains as defence, nuclear, transportation and healthcare is forecast to increase dramatically in the coming decades, and with that, levels of automation (LOA) are set to change the role of operators. However, the shift from of working directly with and within a system to one characterised by supervision and (sometimes remote) surveillance, brings a range of human-centred issues and limitations. These issues are not solely focused on how the operator can cope with the huge amounts of real-time data and information; they also concern how individuals react and behave towards computerised teammates. This is especially critical in military environments, such as static and mobile Command and Control (C2) centres. These facilities must accurately and appropriately analyse, fuse and display considerable amounts of C3I (Communications, Command, Control and Intelligence) material. The ability to trust (or mistrust) a system is, therefore, vital for human safety and mission success.Nonetheless, human actions and behaviours are not formed in a ‘cognitive vacuum’ – they are influenced by the context of tasks, environments, prior experiences and memories. Trust formation with technology and automation is affected by many precedents, in a process similar to which humans endow others with levels of trust and confidence. These include prior knowledge, experiences with similar technology (or people) and how expectations, lack of transparency and failures can lead to mistrust.This research seeks to explore behaviours and attitudes of human operators, and how military culture shapes operator heuristics and naturalistic decision making. The qualitative inquiry will also probe whether these circumstances foster maladaptive behaviour which differs or deviate to those of civilian and defence personnel.Item Open Access Three-Dimensional Radar image overlaid on a photograph(Cranfield University, 2020-01-09 09:24) Sabiers, RichardThis picture is important because it allows you to visually gain an understanding of how an object may be interpreted by radar. A single high-resolution photographic image taken of an object and the resulting 3D radar image generated from the model. A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) volumetric image of a target was formed with Cranfield’s mini-GBSAR scanner, then overlaid over the target’s photograph. This shows a visual representation of backscattered electromagnetic waves. By comparing the representation against the original, a better understanding of the radar features is attained. This relates to my work on understanding radar object characteristics for classification using machine learning techniques.Item Open Access Until Sniffer Dogs Can Talk: CRIM-TRACK(Cranfield University, 2022-11-22T14:39:37Z) Hardy, IonaThis image is a digitally drawn short comic highlighting the CRIM-TRACK sniffer, a device that utilises a colourimetric sensor system to detect illicit compounds by their vapour at sensitivity rivalling a sniffer dog, but with better discrimination. Both detection methods can detect multiple substances, but sniffer dogs cannot signal which substance they have found, whilst the CRIM-TRACK sniffer can. The research aims to contribute to developing the CRIM-TRACK sniffer device, specifically the disposable colourimetric microchips used. This is being carried out by investigating the colour change mechanisms of select dyes when they encounter illicit compounds such as illicit drugs, homemade explosives, and their precursor chemicals using common analytical techniques. This data will allow future generations of the microchip to be tuned via dye selection for specific scenarios.Item Open Access Visualising penetration in armour(Cranfield University, 2022-01-11T15:50:02Z) Powell, DanielThe human eye, CT scanning, X-ray radiography and Computer Aided Design (CAD) can all be used to visualise penetration in armour systems. This digital image demonstrates how these advanced techniques help us see a story that often seems non-existent to the human eye. X-ray radiography in the x and y axis paired with subsequent computer modelling allows the recreation of the crater and embedded material in 3D, enabling detailed analysis of the armour penetration. The volume of penetration can be measured with 95% accuracy from this CAD model when compared to the more expensive and complex, yet highly accurate, CT scanning. This demonstrates the reliability of this relatively simple and accessible methodology for quantifying damage in armour systems.Item Open Access Visualising the Dispersion of Particles Within a Functionally Graded Material(Cranfield University, 2022-11-22T14:40:10Z) Powell, DanielFunctionally graded materials (FGMs) are designed to carefully alter material properties along a selected axis. This image shows FGMs created through mixing varying percentage volumes of high-density tungsten powder (in orange) with a low-viscosity epoxy (in white). Black regions show pores. As the epoxy cures the tungsten particles settle at various depths under gravity, notably in the 1%, 5% and 10% samples. Whilst there are multiple uses for FGMs, this research investigates if they could control the passage of damaging shock waves through a ceramic armour system, especially at the interlayer between a ceramic and metal.Item Open Access X Ray Eyes: Seeing Through Walls Using Radar(Cranfield University, 2018-11-15 10:39) Elgy, JamesDigital Image presented at the 2018 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.This image represents current research into ground-based applications of radar imaging in a through-wall context. Utilising different measurement geometries and signal processing, the aim is to gather and disseminate low-frequency synthetic aperture radar data to identify building structure and content. This image shows volumetric synthetic aperture radar data gathered in a multistatic modality, i.e. where there are two independent receiving antennas, both on the far side of the wall. This is superimposed onto a photograph of the same area, showing good agreement between the visual and radar images. For clarity, the point cloud has been segmented into different regions, each given a separate colour. Red represents the two metal barrels, blue shows the desk area whilst green represents the wall signature.