Wide Area Detection and Identification of Underwater UXO Using Structural Acoustic Sensors

Abstract : This new project is exploring the potential for developing a structural acoustics (SA) based sonar methodology for wide area search and identification of underwater unexploded ordnance (UXO). This new approach may have significant advantages over more conventional acoustic approaches, which rely on the formation of high resolution images. These advantages include: diverse set of "fingerprints" leading to low false alarm rates; longer range operation leading to wide area coverage; and low frequency sediment penetration leading to buried target prosecution. A core element of the current project is a comprehensive examination of the scattering levels and features exhibited by typical UXO targets in the SA regime using NRL's state-of-the-art underwater scattering facilities, both laboratory-based and at-sea. We have recently completed the first phase of this data collection using the laboratory-based facility, and these results are reported here.