Executive Summary
This thesis models the effects of Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs) on human movement using an extended Social Force Model. It evaluates how LRAD exposure influences path efficiency and movement behavior across various environments, motivational levels, and group structures. The study concludes that LRAD effectiveness as an area-denial tool is highly dependent on the environment and duration of acoustic exposure.
Why It Matters
This research provides insights into the operational effectiveness of LRADs for crowd control and area denial, which is crucial for military and law enforcement planning in various tactical environments.
Key Takeaways
- LRADs are most effective as area-denial tools in confined urban environments, such as corridors, where agents have limited maneuverability and prolonged exposure to the acoustic beam.
Source evidence · PDF page 66
First, across all scenarios, the urban environment simulations generated the greatest reduction in the agent’s path efficiency and success rates. The results highlight the effectiveness of an LRAD as an area-denial tool when the acoustic beam is oriented down a long corridor, because the force felt from the LRAD increased as agents got closer to the source.
- In open-terrain scenarios, LRADs have a weaker effect on movement as individuals can quickly escape the acoustic beam and reorient their paths.
Source evidence · PDF page 66
In comparison, the open-terrain simulations had the weakest effect on the agents’ movement because agents could quickly escape the beam and reorient their trajectories towards their desired destination.
- Individuals with lower motivation levels may respond more strongly to LRAD exposure, accelerating to escape the acoustic beam's influence.
Source evidence · PDF page 57
A plausible explanation for this case is that the low-motivation agents responded more strongly to the LRAD force, causing them to accelerate to escape the region of the acoustic beam.
Strategic Relevance
Understanding the impact of acoustic devices like LRADs on human behavior in different environments can inform military doctrine for crowd control, force protection, and area denial operations, enhancing non-lethal capabilities.