Underwater Target Localization Using Opportunistic Ship Noise Recorded on a Compact Hydrophone Array

In this research, a new application using broadband ship noise as a source-of-opportunity to estimate the scattering field from the underwater targets is reported. For this purpose, a field trial was conducted in collaboration with JASCO Applied Sciences at Duncan’s Cove, Canada in September 2020. A hydrophone array was deployed in the outbound shipping lane at a depth of approximately 71 m to collect broadband noise data from different ship types and effectively localize the underwater targets. In this experiment, a target was installed at a distance (93 m) from the hydrophone array at a depth of 25 m. In this study, a matched field processing (MFP) algorithm is utilized for localization. Different propagation models are presented using Green’s function to generate the replica signal; this includes normal modes in a shallow water waveguide, the Lloyd-mirror pattern for deep water, as well as the image model. We use the MFP algorithm with different types of underwater environment models and a proposed estimator to find the best match between the received signal and the replica signal. Finally, by applying the scatter function on the proposed multi-channel cross correlation coefficient time-frequency localization algorithm, the location of target is detected.

Passive Tracking of Multiple Underwater Targets in Incomplete Detection and Clutter Environment

A major advantage of the use of passive sonar in the tracking multiple underwater targets is that they can be kept covert, which reduces the risk of being attacked. However, the nonlinearity of the passive Doppler and bearing measurements, the range unobservability problem, and the complexity of data association between measurements and targets make the problem of underwater passive multiple target tracking challenging. To deal with these problems, the cardinalized probability hypothesis density (CPHD) recursion, which is based on Bayesian information theory, is developed to handle the data association uncertainty, and to acquire existing targets’ numbers and states (e.g., position and velocity). The key idea of the CPHD recursion is to simultaneously estimate the targets’ intensity and the probability distribution of the number of targets. The CPHD recursion is the first moment approximation of the Bayesian multiple targets filter, which avoids the data association procedure between the targets and measurements including clutter. The Bayesian-filter-based extended Kalman filter (EKF) is applied to deal with the nonlinear bearing and Doppler measurements. The experimental results show that the EKF-based CPHD recursion works well in the underwater passive multiple target tracking system in cluttered and noisy environments.

A practical review study on shaped charge in the last two decades (2000–2020)

Shaped charges are devices used for cutting or penetrating different aerial, on land, and underwater targets, based on the concentration of the explosion energy to the liner. The purpose of this study is to present a practical review of the studies related to shaped charges in the last twenty years (2000–2020). In this regard, these studies have been reviewed in two different categories for ordinary and advanced shaped charges. In the case of ordinary shaped charges, different aspects including shaped charges against different targets, different types of shaped charges (such as linear shaped charge and explosively formed penetrators), and theoretical advancements are presented. On the other hand, the new kinds of shaped charges developed for a specific purpose are introduced in the case of advanced shaped charges. The survey of the literature indicates that different concepts such as cut-off velocity and theoretical applicability of hydrodynamics theory in shaped charge penetration still Requires effort. Also, few studies have been focused on new shaped charges, such as hyper-velocity shaped charges, annular and dual-mode ones; and the field is still open for further progress. Besides, some of these new shaped-charges, such as double-layer shaped charges, are not realistic enough to be produced for practical purposes or the market.