External Pipe Sound Pressure Level Sensor
Navy STTR FY2010.A


Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2010.A
Topic No.: N10A-T016
Topic Title: External Pipe Sound Pressure Level Sensor
Proposal No.: N10A-016-0270
Firm: Progeny Systems Corporation
9500 Innovation Drive
Manassas, Virginia 20110
Contact: Tom Baldasarre
Phone: (508) 828-9800
Web Site: www.progeny.net
Abstract: Stealth is a primary consideration in design and operation of ships and submarines in the Navy fleet. Noise in hydraulic systems and piping is one source of unwanted noise. A method to measure and monitor this noise is essential to controlling and eliminating these noise sources. With the assistance of UMASS Dartmouth we will present a method to externally measure the fluidborne sound pressure level in noisy piping systems. This will involve developing a novel sensor approach that is capable of measuring fluid sound pressure levels as low as 80 dBRMS//1uPa/Hz when attached externally to the pipe. Modeling and simulation will be developed to predict the performance and characteristics of the sensor design and technique. Models will be used to determine if the concept is technically feasible and will also be used to predict the radial mode and other structure modes of the specified pipe configurations.
Benefits: The main source of noise in hydraulic systems is the pump that supplies the flow. Potential commercial applications could be for pump manufacturers who are trying to develop quiet pumps. Pump health monitoring systems could be developed for customers who desire to monitor fluidborne noise in piping systems.

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