Fiber Optic Compass

Not Available The Navy requires a near-real-time algorithm to predict the location of the micro-cables with acoustic arrays on the seafloor so as to bring the sensor systems to operational status as quickly as possible. The existing methodology uses the computer program FOCAL-P that has worked satisfactorily with regards to accuracy of predictions. However, the speed of computations in FOCAL-P is an order of magnitude too slow for the Navy's needs. This proposal outlines three tasks that specifically address the need for a near real-time algorithm to predict the cable behavior during installation. The first is to study the computational efficiency of FOCAL-P. Understanding the computational bottlenecks in the present code is essential to making improvements. The second task involves a novel approach to predicting the micro-cable response in the marine environment. This approach applies numerical algorithms, such as choice of coordinate systems, coordinate transformations and equations of motion solutions that have been successfully used in the prediction of aircraft and missile trajectories to the current problem. The last task involves real-time graphical visualization of the cable as it is being installed on the seafloor. This last task is the precursor to closed-loop control of the cable laying process.