NIST Builds Standardized Electric Dummy

Feb. 17, 2009
The process of testing metal detectors used at airports and other public spaces can be tricky

The process of testing metal detectors used at airports and other public spaces can be tricky. There are currently two methods. In one, a person walks through the detector adorned with various metal objects, such as eyeglasses, belt buckles, jewelry, and coins. The other method puts the same kind of metal objects on a piece of plywood that gets pushed through the detector. But human subjects have so many physical differences — including sizes, body-fat makeup, and walking gaits — that standardization is impossible. The plywood method is reproducible, but can’t tell researchers how a human body might affect the detector’s ability to tell the difference between innocuous objects and weapons.

To solve the problem, NIST engineers mixed a polymer with carbon black, a fine powder almost entirely made of elemental carbon, to create a compound that mimics the average electrical conductivity of the human body. This mix is molded into bricks then arranged on a nonconductive fiberglass frame so that they mimic the mass and height of an average adult American human man. For the test, the dummy is stood on a low-friction, nonmetallic cart and passes through a detector at 0.5 m/sec, a common walking pace for men..

Sponsored Recommendations

NEW Low Profile, Ultra Compact Power Supplies

March 13, 2024
Learn more HERE about Altech's Power supplies!

Altech's Liquid Tight Strain Relifs Catalog

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...

Industrial Straight-Through Cable Gland

March 13, 2024
Learn more about Altech's cable glands and all they have to offer for your needs!

All-In-One DC-UPS Power Solutions

March 13, 2024
Introducing the All-In-One DC-UPS, a versatile solution combining multiple functionalities in a single device. Serving as a power supply, battery charger, battery care module,...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!