Measurement of the magnetic signature of a moving surface vessel with multiple magnetometer-equipped AUVs

Measurement of the magnetic signature of naval vessels allows one to determine their vulnerability to mines, and thus whether the signatures must be reduced. Hypothetically, a formation of magnetometer-equipped AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) could be used to perform a magnetic signature measurement. In this work, a formation of three magnetometer-equipped AUVs was used to assess the feasibility of performing a magnetic signature measurement on a moving surface vessel. The AUVs used localization from acoustic transponders fixed to the bottom, data contained in acoustic communications, an inertial measurement unit, and other onboard sensors to navigate during the experiments. A surface vessel with a fiberglass hull was outfitted with a permanent magnet at the bow, and directed to travel on a straight course. The AUVs navigated in the opposite direction, passing underneath the surface vessel. Position estimates for individual magnetic field measurements using AUV-acquired navigation data were found to be accurate to within an average of 1.2 m. Magnetic fields of 100–300 nT were clearly measured, consistent with the 5–10 nT noise floor of the AUV/magnetometer unit. In the measurements that were performed, total uncertainty in signature measurement was estimated to be ~250 nT in the presence of a magnetic field gradient of ~200 nT/m.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2013.02.011
• Record URL:
  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0029801813000917
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00298018
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from Elsevier
• Authors:
  • Walker, Christopher R
  • Stringfield, Jordan Q
  • Wolbrecht, Eric T
  • Anderson, Michael J
  • Canning, John R
  • Bean, Thomas A
  • Odell, Douglas L
  • Frenzel, James F
  • Edwards, Dean B
• Publication Date: 2013-5-15

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 80-87
• Serial:
  • Ocean Engineering
  • Volume: 64
  • Issue Number: 0
  • Publisher: Pergamon
  • ISSN: 0029-8018
  • EISSN: 1873-5258
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00298018

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Autonomous intelligent cruise control; Magnetometers; Military vessels; Mines (Weapons); Ocean engineering; Transponders; Underwater vehicles
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment; I90: Vehicles;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01488548
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 31 2013 8:37AM