DSDS 17
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This collection showcases outputs from the third Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium, hosted at STEAM: Museum of the Great Western Railway, Swindon by Cranfield University in association with DSTL.
It 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 technical papers, a 3MT (three minute thesis) competition, digital images, posters and an installation competition. In addition, there are plenary talks from thought-leaders, as well as exhibition space for industry and other employers of defence and security researchers.Citation Cranfield University. (2017). 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium (DSDS17) in conjunction with DSTL and AWE: Symposium outputs (Version 13). CERES https://doi.org/10.17862/cranfield.rd.c.3924511.v13
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Item Open Access How to Predict the Vibration Energy Dissipation of Bolted Joint?(Cranfield University, 2017-12-13 16:19) Lancereau, Damien3MT presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.The objective of this PhD is to investigate and understand the dynamics of joints in built-up structures. Currently, we do not understand the influence of the joints on the damping or the stiffness of a system. Our work will try to improve the quality of dynamics in finite element simulations. The aeronautic industry is currently limited in there design by the lake of dynamic joint model. For example, a problematic joint on the wing of the new Airbus A380 cost around one billion pounds to the company. Our approach is to start by focusing on experiments. We excite a structure and measure the response. Currently, we are investigating a two layer sandwich beams connected by bolts, which is already complex. The main challenge is the nonlinearity of built-up structures. To understand it, we decompose the response signal into different resonance modes, and then we fit short intervals of the signal to a mathematical model. This method gives time varying parameters which are simple to interpret. For example, a measurement of the size of a contact patch has been obtained from the shift in natural frequency. Also, measurements of the damping when correlated with measurements using a pressure film provided an insight of the position of the micro-friction interfaces in the system. And the use of shims in the interfaces allowed a better understanding of the interface.Item Open Access Behavioural Consequences of Risk are Inadequately Embedded in Contemporary Project Management Practice Leading to Sub-optimal Outcomes(Cranfield University, 2017-12-14 10:52) Kipp, Michael3MT presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.The current methodology for the management of projects is driven by a plethora of guidance, techniques and practice often lacking the evidence from successful implementation particularly in projects with significant risk.Causes of project failure are well documented and research indicates there are underlying reasons for failure including a shortage of relevant theory, inadequate skills and insufficient experience. There may also be over-reliance on systematic processes at the expense of behavioural inputs in decision-making when managing risk. Conceivably, there is something important missing from contemporary practice in project management today.Current practice in project management, including traditional, agile and hybrid models, have been analysed to determine the fundamental characteristics of each and the extent to which behavioural factors are embodied. The research concludes, firstly, that agile methods take more account of human factors than traditional techniques and, secondly, that a hybrid approach offers additional benefits in terms of both operational assurance and governance and delivers more favourable outcomes.Item Open Access Infrared Based Relative Navigation for Active Debris Removal (ADR)(Cranfield University, 2018-01-03 08:45) Yilmaz, Ozgun3MT presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.The risk of orbital collisions for operational satellites have been increasing overtime due to the uncontrolled space debris environment over years. The studies show that sustainable space environment can only be achieved by performing remediation actions such as ADR where a chaser spacecraft collects large space debris and perform necessary orbital disposal procedures. Even though overall mission has significant similarities with already demonstrated space Rendezvous and Docking (RvD) missions, they have more challenges due to uncertainties link to the target which is uncooperative. In this context, there are few technologies that need to be specifically developed and robust relative navigation is one of them. In current RvD missions, the relative navigation with cooperative targets are aided with RADAR, LIDAR which are not attractive due to limitations in spacecraft power budget and visual camera which suffers in certain illumination conditions. In this context, we propose infrared technologies as an alternative robust solution which have inherent advantage of illumination invariance as well as being resistant to damages caused by sun in the field of view. We have first proved that space debris is observable under space thermal environment. We have also demonstrated that there are trackable features and can be used for navigation purposes. From these findings, we have developed a robust infrared based relative navigation algorithm that can operate in ADR like applications.Item Open Access Towards Determining Wall Properties with Bistatic Radar(Cranfield University, 2017-12-14 11:01) Elgy, James; Andre, Daniel; Morrow, Ivor; Finnis, MarkPoster presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.Remote sensing techniques to gather information about building structure and interiors are of significant interest for both military and civilian applications. Radar offers an attractive approach due its long-range, all-weather and non-destructive through-wall sensing nature. Radar however, is affected by the electrical properties of the medium the electromagnetic waves are passing through. For through-wall Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), this leads to a defocusing and a distortion of the resultant radar images due to the decrease in velocity and refraction of the radio waves. Compensation for this effect is possible if the properties of the medium are accounted for.This research contributes to the Remote Intelligence of Building Interiors (RIBI) project through use of multistatic measuring geometries and novel signal processing techniques to determine the thickness, refractive index and other electrical properties of walls, remotely, in both laboratory and realistic environments.We present experimental results, gathered at the Cranfield University Antennas and Ground-Based SAR (AGBSAR) laboratory to both validate our simulations and to illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed method as a means of addressing some of the fundamental issues with through-wall radar remote sensing.Item Open Access Do you trust me?(Cranfield University, 2017-11-15 11:52) Field, MeganPoster 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 A Standard European Tank? Technology Transfer and the Quest since 1945 for a Joint International Main Battle Tank within Europe and NATO(Cranfield University, 2017-11-15 11:53) Cubbin, MikePoster presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.International cooperation in defence has long been a feature of diplomacy, and there are many theoretical advantages to both international technology transfer and standardisation within military alliances, from military organisation and logistics to political consolidation, and on to economic savings in both development and production. International collaboration in the defence industry has produced many successful weapon systems, from technologically advanced fighter aircraft to anti-tank missiles. Given the success of many joint defence projects such as the Tornado and Eurofighter aircraft, and the Roland and Brimstone missile systems, the question emerges as to why there have been no successful collaborative international main battle tank projects. The quest for a standard tank design within NATO began with the Franco-German ‘standard European tank’ project in 1956, and NATO countries have since made several further attempts towards a joint Main Battle Tank (MBT) design. At the time of writing there is talk of yet another potential joint European tank project, this time between France, Germany and possibly Poland. An important question that arises from the many works on armoured warfare, armoured vehicle technology and military technology transfer then is, why has NATO yet to agree and produce a standard tank despite several attempts since 1945? To date, there has been only one successful truly collaborative main battle tank design, and that was the Anglo-American Mark VIII ‘International’ in 1917.Item Open Access Strategic Team Decision-Making during a Simulated Terrorist Attack(Cranfield University, 2017-11-15 11:54) Brown, OlivaPoster presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.Decision-making during major incidents is full of uncertainty, requiring the rapid and coordinated response of the emergency services. The Strategic Coordinating Group (SCG) establish overall responsibility for the response and determine the aims and prioritises within which lower level command will operate. This research was centred around the simulated response of three SCG’s, to a Marauding Terrorist Firearms Attack (MTFA) at a local shopping centre. Each SCG was staged at different time points following the attack, in order to capture the response and recovery phases of the emergency services. Each SCG had between 18-22 participants, drawing on 12 different agencies, including the blue-light services, the Military, NHS, Coroner’s office and local councils. The SCG’s were video-recorded to allow subsequent analysis of the team decision-making. In addition, an electronic questionnaire was distributed to capture individual perception of team performance. The video-recorded data will be analysed using the Event Analysis of Systematic Teamwork method to model the social, task and information networks during the simulated response. It is anticipated that this research will provide an unique insight into how strategic level decisions are made in response to a MTFA.Item Open Access Through the Looking Glass: Exploring the Relationship Between Nonverbal and Verbal Behaviour on Rapport and Dyadic Cooperation(Cranfield University, 2017-11-15 11:55) Weiher, LynnPoster presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.This research programme wishes to explore the relationship between verbal and nonverbal behaviour, rapport, and dyadic cooperation. Although researchers have long recognised the complementary roles that verbal and nonverbal behaviour play in interaction, we know little about how verbal and nonverbal mimicry co-occur, nor how these relate to the established outcomes of rapport (internal perception) or cooperation (external behaviour).In this study, dyads engage in short interview-style interactions where the interviewee has different goals (e.g., guilty vs. non-guilty knowledge, being cooperative vs. non-cooperative) to examine how these motivations effect not only nonverbal mimicry but also verbal and emotional mimicry.Item Open Access Ultra Low Cost, Explosiveness Test(Cranfield University, 2017-11-15 11:56) Galante, Erick; Mai, Nathalie; Ladyman, Melissa; Gill, Philip; Temple, TraceyPoster presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.To investigate the emissions from open burning of explosives we have burnt explosives (10 mg) in a sealed glass vial (10 cm3). As the reaction occurred inside the glass vial, it could be captured on high speed camera allowing the observation combustion reaction. The profile of gaseous emissions was later determined via Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. The glass vials were placed into an aluminium block, which was heated with a gas flame until combustion was achieved. On average the heating cycle took 3-4 minutes before ignition of the explosive was observed.Interestingly, the combustion of 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) was very different to that observed for 3-Nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) and 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN). RDX did not burn when heated as observed with NTO and DNAN. We observed that the RDX partly sublimed and then partly thermally decomposed in the gaseous phase. Then the partially decomposed RDX vapour underwent a violent burning reaction. This burn to violent reaction occurred in the gaseous phase at temperatures as low as 270 ºC.Ultimately, we understand that a similar setup could be used for assessing sensitiveness and safety aspects of new explosives formulations.Item Open Access Synthetic Aperture Radar for Through-Wall Detection and Imaging of Complex Vibrating Targets(Cranfield University, 2017-11-15 11:56) Corbett, Brandon; Andre, Daniel; Muff, Darren; Morrow, Ivor; Finnis, MarkPoster presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.Low frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a proven solution for generating through-wall images, although obtaining a clear picture of the structure and contents of buildings has proven to be difficult. Whilst the effects created by moving objects within a SAR image have been investigated before, the complex effects moving objects have upon a SAR image when located behind a wall, are less known. This is especially the case when the motion of the object being imaged is of vibration and when multipath effects influence the artefacts produced within the SAR image. This occurs when the transmitted SAR microwaves reflect from other objects within the imaged scene, before being detected by the receive antenna. The research presented, investigates these complex SAR phenomena with multistatic radar geometries, using the Cranfield University Antennas and Ground Based SAR (AGBSAR) laboratory. This research is conducted in support of the Dstl Remote Intelligence of Building Interiors (RIBI) programme, and addresses the problem of the detection of running machinery within buildings, amongst other challenging scenarios.Item Open Access Near-Field Virtual Bandwidth Synthetic Aperture Radar Processing for Humanitarian Landmine Detection(Cranfield University, 2017-11-15 11:56) Wirth, Sebastian; Morrow, Ivor; Andre, Daniel; Finnis, MarkPoster presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.This research presents the first experimental demonstration of the Near-Field Virtual Bandwidth SAR (NFVB-SAR) imaging technique. NFVB-SAR is a newly developed sub-surface imaging technique which in contrast to traditional imaging techniques promises subsurface imaging of soils at ultra-high, centimetre-scale resolution using narrow bandwidth. We specifically exploit the differential interferometric SAR phase history of an electromagnetic wave within a drying soil volume to generate high resolution sub-surface mapping from the returned wave through the soil volume. Experiments were conducted at the Cranfield University Antennas and Ground Based SAR (AGBSAR) laboratory using a near-field full polarimetric data acquisition ground penetrating radar. Measurements were taken over a sandy soil containing a buried landmine while the moisture level was varied. - firstly during controlled water addition and then during an extended natural drying out period. As the sand volume dries, the real radar frequency is sequentially transported across a virtual bandwidth of virtual frequencies. The preliminary results demonstrate that even a moderate soil moisture change (SMC) can produce large virtual bandwidths; for e.g. an SMC change of 10% can provide 6cm vertical resolution at X-band. We acknowledge the financial support of the Sir Bobby Charlton Charity "Find A Better Way",10.17862/cranfield.rd.5585245.v1.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 The Best Offense is Taking Out Cyber Proxies(Cranfield University, 2017-11-15 11:59) Schuler Scott, Arianna; Kaminska, MonicaPoster presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.It has been interesting to see Russia goading other states on the cyber offensive front, acting through 'proxies', people recruited online to carry out illegal operations. To date no state has overtly condemned attacks that are undoubtedly rooted in the dark web, a space where criminals operate behind a veneer of anonymity and privacy. A mixture of technical and non-technical backgrounds, we are working to understand how to approach informed policy making in this area. Taking down an online anonymous marketplace (such as Alphabay, Hansa which was recently seized) does not seem to reduce illegal action, but disruption and the erosion of trust in the system might. By targeting prominent criminals and reducing demand, we hope to add weight to the recommendations we can make as researchers, and work with those in the defence industry to get things done.Item Open Access Invisible Random Media and Diffraction Gratings That Don’t Diffract(Cranfield University, 2017-11-15 12:00) King, Christopher; Horsley, S.A.R.; Philbin, T.G.Technical paper presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium. Electromagnetic waves propagating through inhomogeneous media will, in general, be scattered in multiple directions. In practical situations this is often undesirable. In this work we discuss ways to mathematically design lossless linear isotropic graded index permittivity profiles in one and two dimensions which suppress scattering. This has some counter-intuitive implications, such as disordered media exhibiting perfect transmission, and periodic gratings which don’t diffract.Item Open Access Designing 3D Printed Horn Antennas for Landmine Detection(Cranfield University, 2018-01-03 15:24) Wirth, Sebastian3MT presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.This work presents the novel design and manufacture of a 3D-printed X-band horn antenna as a single part . This design considerably reduces manufacturing and assembly costs, is sixty percent lighter than an equivalent commercial antennas and offers similar performance. The antennas are particularly suitable for operational scenarios were weight is a key system requirement such as UAVs or as intended in this research for near field ground penetrating radar applications.Item Open Access Characterization and Micromechanical Modelling of a Temperature Dependent Hyper-viscoelastic Polymer Bonded Explosive(Cranfield University, 2017-11-15 12:01) Li-Mayer, Joanna; Williamson, D.; Lewis, D.; Connors, S.; Iqbal, M.; Charalambides, M. N.Technical paper presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium. Polymer bonded explosives (PBXs) are highly filled binary particulate composites, typically >90% volume fraction. The composites consist of a compliant matrix binder and rigid filler crystals. In order to predict the bulk composite behaviour, the polymer matrix material properties and a suitable constitutive model was determined for use in a multi-scale micromechanical finite element model.The matrix material was characterized using monotonic tensile tests at room temperature as well as small strain and large strain shear rheometric tests at different temperatures. A temperature-dependent visco-hyperelastic constitutive model combining the use of the Prony series and the Van der Waals potential was used to describe the matrix material behaviour. Material parameters at room temperature were first optimized by minimisation of the error function between the experimental and predicted behaviour (MATLAB, MathWorks). Temperature dependence for higher temperatures was then determined using time-temperature superposition. A 3D micromechanical finite element model, reconstructed from X-Ray tomographic data, was used for prediction of the composite fracture behaviour. Due to the loss of the smaller filler particles during image processing, a multi-scale hierarchical model was developed to incorporate the missing volume fraction.Item Open Access A Novel Fast Readout, Gamma Detector System for Nuclear Fingerprinting(Cranfield University, 2017-11-15 12:01) Giroletti, Alessia; Velthuis, J.J.; Scott, T.Technical paper presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium. In order to be effective, decommissioning of nuclear facilities as well as recovery procedures following a nuclear accident require a precise estimation of the amount, type, and topological distribution of nuclear material present at the scene. In this work we present a novel, fast readout, spectroscopy system suitable for high radiation level environment which we estimate to be 10 times faster than current deployed systems.The proposed device is based on semiconductor materials: when hit by a photon they generate electron-hole pairs, which in turn give rise to a current pulse that is proportional to the incident photon energy. This mechanism allows recognizing the incident radiation source. The proposed apparatus is composed of five semiconductor materials (Silicon, Gallium Arsenide, Uranium Dioxide, Cadmium Zinc Telluride and Diamond), which allow the cover the detection of a wide range of energies. This multi-material platform enables the precise identification of 27 isotopes which can be found after a nuclear accident or when a nuclear plant is in decommissioning. The amplifier stage uses the Amptek A250 charge sensitive preamplifier which shows low-noise (<100 electrons rms) and fast (rise time 2.5 ns) response behaviours. The readout chain consists of a MAROC3 chip and an FPGA (field programmable gate array). To prove the validity of the system, several Monte Carlo simulations, using Geant4, were performed. Simulation results have shown that gamma spectroscopy and material abundance study are possible. The system is under test at the present.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 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 Shear Localisation During Deformation of Thermo-Visco-Plastic Materials(Cranfield University, 2017-11-15 12:03) Timms, RobertTechnical Paper presented at the 2017 Defence and Security Doctoral Symposium.The mechanisms responsible for ignition of explosive materials in response to low energy stimuli, known as “insults" in the literature, are still not well understood. It is in general believed that explosive ignition is of thermal origin, with mechanical energy being converted into heat energy in localised regions, forming so-called “hot spots”. We investigate how an instability caused by thermal softening may give rise to localised plastic deformation which may lead to subsequent ignition. We consider the homogenous deformation of a material which exhibits strain hardening, strain-rate hardening and thermal softening behaviour. As the strain is increased the material enters into the plastic regime and hardening behaviour is observed, exacerbated by any material inhomogeneity. If the deformation takes place at a high enough strain-rate, there is insufficient time for the heat generated by plastic work to be conducted away, and the material subsequently exhibits thermal softening. Where the local softening dominates over the hardening, the material strength decreases, leading to regions of highly localised deformation. We exploit an idealised geometry, using asymptotic methods to obtain a reduced system of equations which govern the growth rate of the disturbances. Further, we discuss how the growth rate is affected by the constitutive properties of the material, and highlight how this instability may lead to localised reactions in a range of loading scenarios. This work is British Crown Owned Copyright 2017/AWE.