The Flaming Datum problem with varying speed

Abstract

The problem of detecting an enemy submarine whose possible position was revealed by the hit of a torpedo is known as the "Flaming Datum" problem. All previous studies devoted to this theme make unrealistic assumptions about the speed of the escaping target when dealing with a diesel-electric submarine. In this kind of submarine the constraint imposed by the remaining charge of its batteries determines that its behavior is essentially conservative in how fast it should escape. The objective of this thesis is to explore the idea of varying speed in the flaming datum problem. Two different approaches are considered. An analytical model is developed based on the relationship among some of the physical factors that could determine or constrain the behavior of a diesel submarine while escaping from the area of the flaming datum. The second approach considers a discrete event simulation using the Java-based Simkit package. Data analysis is used to determine a possible fit for the simulation results. Several tactics are explored to determine their effects on detection probability