A springs and masses model for determining the lowest risk path in a threat environment

Abstract

Finding the safest path through a threat environment is paramount for the military. This work investigates the use of a springs and masses model for battlefield applications. In particular, we examine the use of this model in scenarios when the locations of the threat environment are not necessarily known, that is, `pop-up' threats. The strengths and weaknesses of this approach are discussed including the potential for using this model to solve safe path problems in real-time, which would allow it to be used as a decision making tool for both field and onboard system applications. References

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