A Next-Generation Towed Vehicle For Ocean CTD, Velocity & Turbulence From Oceanographic Research Vessels
Abstract
Funds are provided to upgrade the scientific capabilities of the ONR research vessel Roger Revelle. Capabilities include a towed continuity, temperature and depth sensor, a velocity sensor and a turbulence sensor. Several DOD-relevant research interests in physical oceanography require detailed measurements of flow, shear and turbulent mixing in depths below 500 meters (e.g. deep transport, lee waves, bottom drag, and flows associated with continental slopes, abyssal hills and submarine canyons). Currently these observations are made using shipboard rosettes using a technique referred to as "tow-yo": raising and lowering the rosette while advancing the ship at slow speed (0.5 to 0.8 knots). However, shipboard rosettes are inadequate for this application because they 1) sweep water from their turbulent wake past the sensors during ship heaves, resulting in uncorrectable data spikes in temperature and salinity; 2) are not designed to be towed laterally and result in damage to the tow cable; and 3) are extremely limited in their ability to power additional sensors and to receive data from them. To address these shortcomings, we propose building an innovative new towed vehicle with a state-of-the-art power transmission and data telemetry system, a hydrodynamic design that will eliminate the turbulent wake-spiking effect while also allowing higher towing speeds (up to 3 knots), a high-precision motion sensor for improved velocity and turbulence estimates, and a modular configuration to facilitate easy operation and maintenance by shipboard marine technicians. The proposed instrument will enable more rapid and reliable measurements of flow, shear and turbulent mixing in depths below 500 meters than are presently possible. The proposed system will be constructed, tested and initially operated with the goal of creating an instrument that can be used as a shared-use asset that will enhance the capability of ONR-owned oceanographic research vessels operated by SIO.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 23, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141612499
Entities
People
- Bruce Appelgate
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, San Diego