Weighted Oceanographic Registration Mine (WORM)

As part of Phase 1, Noise Control Engineering Inc (NCE) developed and documented algorithms that create a noise prediction tool tailored to ships. This approach facilitates the prediction process and increases the accuracy over that achieved by existing'cook books' or software not specifically geared toward the unique features of ship constructions. The shipbuilding industry presently does not have an established approach to acoustical design. Phase 1 identified algorithms and methods that can remedythis situation. Creating a modern program addressing the unique features presented in the marine environment solves these problems.The Phase 1 report identified the vessel's structural features that are considered as input data for the prediction process. NCE's approach is to account for the universal and unique acoustic features of marine vessels. The prototype program iscombination of Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) modeling approach, an acoustic architectural engineering model and empirical formulas and databases that have been verified and utilized over many years. The algorithms consider the acoustic impact of manyfactors that are specific to marine vessels, including water loading of surfaces, finite size and orientation of mechanical sources in small compartments, hydrodynamic sources like propellers, thrusters, and splash noise. The Phase 1 effort and theexisting prototype software showed applicability to all types and sizes of vessels - monohulls, SWATHs, hydrofoils, catamarans - constructed of various materials.These methods, documented in the Phase 1 effort and contained in the prototype program have proven to be very accurate in the prediction of machinery induced noise [3,4]. The Phase 1 effort identified modifications to improve and extend the program tocover HVAC induced noise. Additional algorithms are needed to extend the capacity and accuracy of the existing prototype. Phase 1 identified the need for a GUI for both the input and data output. The proposed Phase II effort facilitates the input/outputprocess and includes additional source and material databases.