Distributed Sensor System Innovations

The overall intent of this project is to produce cost-effective component technologies that will facilitate the development of compact sensing nodes which are utilized by deep submergence vector sensing line arrays. The principle application for this effort is targeted for the augmented reliable acoustic path vector sensing line array. In that regard, the Phase I study will develop a prototype compact vector sensor housing together with an integrated omni-directional pressure hydrophone that will (1) meet the electronic noise floor and submergence depth criteria imposed on the prototype device currently in production and (2) be produced at substantially lower costs than the prototype device. These components will be designed using the results from analytical modeling, numerical modeling, and proof-of-principle laboratory experiments. It should be stated that, while this SBIR Phase I project addresses the development of a compact vector sensor housing containing an integrated pressure hydrophone, APS plans to leverage the results from SBIR Topic N07-076 “Naval Device Applications of Relaxor Piezoelectric Single Crystals” to address the development of a compact pressure-gradient hydrophone. The results of both SBIR projects will be used together during Phase II in which a series of prototype vector sensors will be fabricated and tested.