Design and Implementation of a Distributed Shock Wave Localization System

To achieve high-precision detection of ammunition detonation/impact points over a large area, a distributed shockwave localization system has been designed, which employs shockwave arrival times to estimate trajectories and determine impact locations. The system adopts a single-element array structure, automatically acquiring precise absolute timing, its spatial coordinates, and the relative positions of each element. It features a self-triggered recording of both the arrival moments of ballistic shockwaves and their complete waveforms. All measuring devices and control centers are remotely controlled and data is transmitted through a dedicated 4G network. The measurement device is compact, energy-efficient, and adaptable, with the capability to monitor power levels, and its orientation, among other parameters, making it suitable for unmanned scenarios requiring wide-area measurements. Field tests conducted at a firing range using static explosion experiments validated the system’s functionality, successfully obtaining accurate arrival times and complete shockwave waveform data. The experimental outcomes demonstrated that the system operates reliably, provides accurate measurements, and possesses practical application capabilities, highlighting its efficacy in real-world scenarios demanding precise detection of ammunition impact locations across expansive territories.