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Very Low Frequency (VLF) Transducer
Navy SBIR FY2010.3
| Sol No.: |
Navy SBIR FY2010.3 |
| Topic No.: |
N103-223 |
| Topic Title: |
Very Low Frequency (VLF) Transducer |
| Proposal No.: |
N103-223-0433 |
| Firm: |
Hydroacoustics Inc.
999 Lehigh Station Rd.
Henrietta, New York 14467 |
| Contact: |
De La |
| Phone: |
(585) 359-1000 |
| Web Site: |
hydroacousticsinc.com |
| Abstract: |
The Research and Development effort proposed by Hydroacoustics Inc (HAI) will determine the feasibility of applying new technologies to a Very Low Frequency (VLF) transducer design thereby extending its performance to meet the new requirements of Acoustic Augmentation Support Program (AASP). These new technologies include, but are not limited to, developing a the largest transducer consistent with the installation space, exploring material alternatives for the VLF transducer, reviewing new hydraulic valve technologies, seeking more effective means to couple the hydraulic power to the acoustic medium, studying pump and motor designs to reduce the noise generated by the hydraulic power supply while in the stand-by mode, and applying new digital electronics to monitor and control the transducer performance. The HAI math model for the HLF transducer will be used to estimate the performance of the new VLF transducer design, and the historical HAI data will be used to estimate the manufacturing time and cost. |
| Benefits: |
The basic benefits of the HAI VLF will be maintained while applying the new technologies to its design. Since opposing flexing disk radiators of the HAI VLF eliminate the inertial mass needed by a single-ended transducer design, the "force balanced" acoustic transducer configuration will be used. The basic shape of this transducer configuration is an effective pressure vessel which eliminates the need for pressure compensation at submarine depths. The power amplifier will be located within the transducer which eliminates the need for large power amplifiers on the submarine and requires only raw power and a low-level drive signal to pass through the hull. The transducer will be robust with high reliability as has been demonstrated by the many years of service and by passing Level B shock tests.
These benefits will be enhanced by extending the performance to a lower frequency, by reducing the radiated noise while in the stand-by mode, and by reducing the cost and time for manufacture and service. Since the underlying technology of the current VLA is proven and well understood, these enhancements will be available to the U.S. Navy quickly, without a prolonged development and testing cycle. As a result, the Navy will have a more effective and cost efficient VLF transducer for the AASP available to for use in the fleet in a short period of time.
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