N101-044 TITLE: Embedded Acoustic Sensors on the Surface of Composite Sonar Domes and Aluminum Hull Sections

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: ACAT I AN/SQQ-89A(V) 15

RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted." The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected.

OBJECTIVE: Provide a way to cost effectively embed acoustic sensors on the surface of composite sonar domes and on underwater aluminum hull structures.

DESCRIPTION: As the Navy moves toward composite material solutions for sonar system dome development and non-steel hull materials, there will be an increased need for embedding sensors on the surface of these structures. In particular, as the Navy develops new and improved aluminum hull structures and/or composite sonar domes, there is an opportunity to integrate low cost conformal sensor arrays on both these surfaces, thereby improving overall sonar system performance. There is also a need to be able to repair these systems in order to maintain overall USW performance.

PHASE I: Research various new materials for use with aluminum hull structures and composite sonar domes. Develop a low cost process for embedding large arrays of acoustic sensors onto these surfaces. Investigate various repair techniques. Prepare prototype test panels using aluminum as well as composite materials, with arrays of embedded acoustic sensors.

PHASE II: Develop the detailed manufacturing processes and procedures for embedding different types of sensors on the surface of a composite sonar dome as well as aluminum hull sections. Build full-scale aluminum and composite sonar dome test panels containing arrays of acoustic sensors, and conduct acoustic and mechanical tests on the panels. Analyze the test data and optimize the design and manufacturing processes with respect to application techniques, longevity, performance, maintenance and life cycle cost.

PHASE III: Develop and fabricate full-scale aluminum hull sections and composite sonar dome(s) with arrays of embedded acoustic sensors. Install the systems on a research vessel or Navy ship with a sonar system, and conduct at�sea testing to assess the benefits to the Navy.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: In addition to Navy uses, the materials and processes could be used to develop various types of commercial sonar systems to detect threats to tankers, cargo carriers, and passenger ferries.

REFERENCES:
1. Kinsler, Frey, Coppens and Sanders Fundamentals of Acoustics, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1982.
Urick Principles of Underwater Sound, McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York, 1983.

2. Carlsson, Adams and Pipes Experimental Characterization of Advanced Composite Materials, CRC, New York, 1986.

3. Ashbee Fundamental Principles of Fiber Reinforced Composites, Technomic Publishing Company, Lancaster, PA, 1989.

KEYWORDS: Embedded acoustic sensors, composites, sonar domes, hydrophones

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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