NICOP - Far wakes of underwater vehicles
Abstract
Far wakes of underwater vehicles:a. Technical: Scientific understanding of turbulent wakes behind submerged bodies is limited and is largely confined to the near-wake, that is, close to behind the body. The detection of underwater vehicles (UVs) by observing their wakes, or changes in the ocean due to the wakes, concerns the wake a long distance away from the moving body (the "far-wake") when the vehicle is operating at depth. Interaction of this wake with the surface is also of critical importance in satellite detection. This project aims to provide a better understanding of the turbulent far-wake and the effects of a free surface on the wake. The proposed research involves experiments in the tow-tank facility in the Michell Hydrodynamics Laboratory at the University of Melbourne. The facility has unique side-wall viewing access, allowing high-speed, high resolution Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) to be used. The investigators are experts in the use of this technique and have at their disposal state-of-the-art instrumentation for these experiments. Large databases of PIV measured velocity fields will be acquired in the wakes of a variety of models, ranging from generic bodies to models of service vehicles. b. Relevance: This proposal concerns the study of the far-field wake of UVs. The hydrodynamic wake of UVs possesses a challenge for defense applications as the wake provides a signature that can lead to detection. The results of this work will be an improved understanding of turbulent far-wakes of UVs and how the free surface changes due to this wake. The efforts are complimentary to the ONR submarine hydrodynamics core S&T Program that is aligned with the Platform Design and Survivability focus area of the US Naval S&T Strategic Plan. c. Coordination: Dr. Thomas Fu and Dr. Ron Joslin (ONR Code 331) d. Desired Outcome: First of all, tests on generic bodies will lead to fundamental scientific discoveries of the phenomena of turbulent wakes, which will be publishable in the highest impact journals. Secondly, measurements of wake and free-surface interaction will provide data to inform researchers working on improving methods of satellite detection of UVs. Finally, tests on scale models of military vehicles will uncover subtleties in their wakes and free-surface variations due to geometry or maneuvers. This knowledge, specific to the tested vehicle, may be useful in avoiding detection in the field.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 23, 2016
- Source ID
- N629091612119
Entities
People
- Jason P Monty
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Melbourne