Improving Sonar Performance Prediction Using Enhanced Environmental Knowledge

Abstract

Proposal for ONR Task Force Ocean (TFO) Improving Sonar Performance Prediction Using Enhanced Environmental Knowledge Martin Siderius, William StevensPortland State UniversityProject AbstractSonar performance prediction has been a topic of interest for decades. As currently used in Tactical Decision Aids (TDAs) the predictions are deterministic without any associated confidence. While this isadequate for some locations, it can be very misleading in others and can lead decision makers to conclude that sonar performance predictions are unreliable. A better approach is to develop a stochastic sonar prediction that includes uncertainty and provides a sense of confidence. Some areas of the globe have highly dynamic oceanography making sonar prediction much more uncertain, however, there are other areas that are much more benign and predictable. For highly dynamic areas, confidence might be low but the tactical decision should be informed by that. To tackle this long standing problem of improving sonar prediction we are taking an end-to-end approach. We are including research on acoustic propagation and ocean modeling. We are developing scenarios and metrics that are based on operations research and in consultation with the sonar community. In this way, we hope to make improvements that are achievable and practical for navy transition once the basic research has been developed. In this proposal, we are considering several areas thatwill contribute to improving sonar prediction: 1) coupling sonar prediction with the NRL Regional NCOM ocean model with ensemble estimates 2) seabed and environmental estimation using off-board sensors and through-the-sensor methods and 3) better ambient noise modeling and prediction.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Feb 06, 2023
Source ID
N000142312070

Entities

People

  • Martin Siderius

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • Portland State University
  • United States Navy

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.