An Integrated Sensor System for Concurrent Measurement of Electric and Magnetic Fields in the Water Column
Abstract
It is proposed to develop a compact research-grade integrated system of enhanced sensors for concurrently measuring the E and B-fields in the water column or along the seabed from an AUV with accurate geolocation. Work based on previous NEEC, ONR and Department of Energy efforts will be utilized in developing the new sensor package accommodated in a tow fish for towing from an AUV. Towing the sensor package isolates the measurement system from the AUV motor and electronics. Towing from an AUV is less intrusive than from a surface ship. In our previous efforts we demonstrated that high quality measurements of the electromagnetic field can be made using a streamlined tow fish towed from an AUV. The proposed integrated sensor system will include (a) a sensitive total field magnetometer; (b) a custom low-noise tri-axial E-field sensor developed at FAU; (c) a depth sensor; and (d) an onboard data acquisition and processing system. Accurate geo-location of the measurement system will be provided through use of an ultra-short baseline (USBL) acoustic positioning system mounted on the AUV. USBL acoustic positioning would provide the range and bearing of the package with respect to a reference point whose GPS location would be communicated to the package via an acoustic modem. The depth of the package would be obtained from the onboard pressure sensor. The information from the USBL, the modem and the depth sensor would be combined to provide instantaneous geolocation of the package. The modem may in the future be used to transmit real time selected small portions of the measured data. The focus would be on enabling high-quality measurement of baseline electromagnetic fields and those emitted by anomalous sources in the field. The integrated system would be tested and validated offshore of FAU, SeaTech and demonstrated at NSWC-PC facilities. Once developed, the system would be towed from an AUV to conduct ‘lawn-mower’ pattern traverses of the AUV in the water column. The proposed instrument will provide accurate, reliable and cost-effective assessment of the baseline electromagnetic field levels and the changes attributed to anomalies in these fields. Previous experience of the PIs and engineers at FAU in AUV-based electromagnetic field surveys and detection and classification of targets on the seabed will be used to assist students in sensor development, sensor calibration, hands-on laboratory and field testing, machine-learning algorithm development, modeling and simulation, system integration, and AUV operations. The project would involve 2 MS students, 2 undergraduates and 10 affiliated students per year supervised by the PIs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 12, 2025
- Source ID
- N001742310004
Entities
People
- Manhar Dhanak
Organizations
- Florida Atlantic University
- United States Navy