Sonar Detection and Classification of Underwater UXO and Environmental Parameters
Abstract
Based on extensive assessments of other sensor technologies carried out at NSWCPCD for underwater Navy applications, sonar is expected to play an indispensible role in underwater UXO remediation. Acoustics can be used to probe for targets over a significant range and, being a wave phenomenon, can be used to image buried targets for discrimination from clutter. However, environmental factors can make detection and discrimination problematic. The objective of the current research is to work towards resolving issues that affect sonar detection and classification/identification (C/ID) of underwater UXO using sonar. This is accomplished by leveraging on-going Navy sponsored sonar tests to collect data to both further the model validation needed to keep sonar models and simulations such as PC SWAT up to date for UXO applications and to develop and evaluate C/ID algorithms for separating UXO from bottom clutter. As part of the model validation process, we continue to develop ways to measure environmental parameters required as model inputs. As part of the C/ID process we propose to identify clues in sonar signals that could be used to classify detected UXO and to assess the robustness of these clues to environmental factors. Without a classification capability, true sonar performance against desired targets is difficult to measure. These proposed efforts are meant to respond to SERDP SON MMSON-09-01.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA544398
Entities
People
- Raymond J Lim
Organizations
- Naval Surface Warfare Center