Real-Time Hull Shape Monitor

Aither’s proposed solution will examine the development of an innovative fiber optic hull shape sensing system based on a hybrid sensing scheme to allow for the extremely large number of measurement points required for the submarine structure. During Phase I, Aither will determine the required components for this system and attempt to determine a theoretical accuracy for the proposed system. Aither will also investigate the improvements that may be realized by incorporating the first methodology of monitoring the position of the forward and aft panels relative to the center panel on each side of the submarine into the hull shape monitoring system. Aither’s experience in fiber optic based shape sensing has been developed through multiple SBIR programs including towed sonar array shape estimation and aircraft wing shape measurement. Aither has developed patented, innovative technology through these programs and will leverage this experience to the fullest extent during the SBIR effort. Aither is well aware of the difficulties in not only developing a submarine hull shape monitoring system, but also with integrating the required optical fiber sensors with the submarine structure having completed ABS certification testing for a private customer on a 10 person submarine design.