SENSOR PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS FOR MINE DETECTION WITH UNMANNED VEHICLES IN VERY SHALLOW WATER AND SURF ZONES

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22Jun_Fedorovich_Alexander.pdf (15.66 MB)
Authors
Fedorovich, Alexander J.
Subjects
mine
VSW
SZ
BZ
very shallow water
surf zone
beach zone
detection
sensing
standoff
unmanned
MCM
countermeasures
autonomous
seabed
warfare
UUV
Advisors
Kragelund, Sean P.
Klamo, Joseph T.
Date of Issue
2022-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The very shallow water and surf zones present extraordinary challenges for classifying submerged objects such as mines or shoals. Accessing these areas with traditional unmanned underwater vehicles is difficult, and remotely operated vehicles often require putting operators in harm’s way. This research explores the potential to perform object classification using only forward-looking sonar in the desired operating zones. Experiments were conducted in a controlled environment for two different target objects, a glass sphere and a rectangular cinder block. Next, forward-looking sonar images were analyzed to determine how the intensity and distribution of target returns changed as a function of distance and angle from the sonar. The ability to correlate experimentally measured intensity profiles with a target’s physical size and shape is examined. Finally, recommendations for future research are proposed to further develop this approach for potential naval applications like mine countermeasures.
Type
Thesis
Description
URI
https://hdl.handle.net/10945/70664
Series/Report No
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)
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NECC, Virginia Beach, VA, 23459
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
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This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
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