DURIP to enhance measurement capabilities and improve longevity of the THORA
Abstract
ABSTRACTProgram Officer: Dr. Robert HeadrickCode: 322 [Headrick, Robert]This DURIP proposal aims to enhance the at-sea acoustic measurement capabilities of the Penn State University, Applied Research Laboratory (PSU-ARL) and the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Ocean Acoustics Program. With support from the ONR, PSU-ARL recently purchased a towed research array tailored for underwater acousticsand oceanographic research. This system, generally referred to as the Three Octave Research Array (THORA), is owned and housed by PSU-ARL but funded by and operated at the discretion of the ONR. The enhancements to the THORA outlined in this proposal will significantly improve PSU-ARL#s at-sea measurement capabilities and the long-term robustness of the THORA acquisition system. In doing so, it will enhance the measurement and research capabilities of ONR Ocean Acoustics (ONR-OA) and related ONR research programs. Design and construction of the THORA system was a collaborative effort between PSU-ARL and the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) in La Spezia, Italy. PSU-ARL developed the specifications and requirements for the array based on their prior measurement experience and involvement in the underwater acoustics community, while CMRE brought their expertise to bear in design of the array#s hardware and manufacturing. The THORA was designed specifically for basic research applications and generation of public releasematerial. During the THORA#s first sea trial, ARL-PSU and CMRE determined two system enhancements needed to improve the measurementcapabilities and longevity of this complex piece of oceangoing equipment. The funding from this DURIP would enable these two enhancements. The first would be the addition of a fiber optic/electronic slip-ring system to the THORA winch that allows the depth and cable scope of the array to be adjusted while actively making measurements. Additionally, this upgrade would greatly harden the fiber optic system by eliminating the need to connect/disconnect fiber optic cables on the wet deck of an underway research vessel (maintaining these fibers proved challenging during the first THORA trial). The second enhancement required is the purchase of 10, uDASS communication hubs built by Systems Engineering & Assessment Ltd (SEA), a UK based company. These hubs control communications and datarecording within the THORA and are a component PSU-ARL must have on hand in the event the array requires repair or further upgrades. These items must be purchased ahead of their installation because of their very long lead time, and to prevent the array from becoming obsolete in the case the uDASS units are discontinued or upgraded without backward compatibility. These hubs are direct replacements for those within the THORA, and SEA is the sole source. [APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE]
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 14, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142512044
Entities
People
- Chad Smith
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Pennsylvania State University
- United States Navy