Underwater Vehicle Thermal Boundary Detection System
Abstract
This invention relates to a device for thermal detection of seawater from within an unmanned underwater vehicle, thereby determining the position of a thermal boundary with respect to the vehicle. The current art for presetting underwater vehicles in search of a target is complicated by the presence of thermal layers beneath the water surface. A thermal layer can serve as an acoustic barrier by refracting transmitted sound waves (sonar), thereby isolating the target from the pursuing vehicle. The vehicle operator will thus attempt to position the vehicle by presetting the vehicle at the same depth as the submarine or at least on the same side of the thermal layer as its target to optimize its chance of achieving acoustic detection. A thermal sensor system is provided that includes a transport pipe having an intake and output for the passage of seawater. A thermal sensor is connected to the transport pipe for detecting the temperature of seawater within the transport pipe. Sensor electronics are provided in connection with the thermal sensor, the sensor electronics conditioning signals output by the thermal sensor. The selective sampling by the thermal sensor may either be intermittent or continuous according to system needs. Further, a control device is connected to the sensor electronics, acoustic equipment, and a depth sensor in connection with the maneuverable vehicle allowing change of the vehicle's course in response to these inputs. (4 figures)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 08, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADD020066
Entities
People
- Robert J. Barden
Organizations
- United States Department of the Navy