Retained Unexploded Ordnance: A Safety Analysis of Diagnostic Ultrasound on Piezoelectric Fuzes

Diagnostic ultrasound did not induce sufficient voltage to actuate the internal piezoelectric crystal of the tested fuzes, likely because of significant acoustic impedance mismatch at the munition casing and mechanical damping of the internal crystal. Although current guidelines recommend only plain radiography, these findings suggest that the risk of acoustoelectric detonation is minimal. Diagnostic ultrasound may be considered a safe adjunct for surgical planning in retained UXO scenarios when applied with appropriate standoff techniques.