Utilization of Atmospheric Refractivity Information to Improve Radar Operation in Littoral Environments

The objectives of Phase I are to develop realistic, extreme primary hull girder loads necessary to facilitate the application of reliability-based methods for investigating the possibility of weight savings for aircraft carrier. In this study, anempirical-analytical methodology will be developed based on sea trials, spectral analysis and extreme value analysis that uses empirical data, operation profiles and motion analysis. The specific tasks needed to achieve these objectives of the proposedeffort can be enumerated as follows:1. Definition of reliability-based design and its needs in terms of load definition;2. Assessment of primary loads;3. Probabilistic characteristics of primary loads;4. Extreme value analysis to determine the probabilistic characteristics of primary loads;5. Load combinations;6. Development of design criteria and limitations for primary loads;7. Methods to assess weight reduction and optimization;8. Demonstrate the methods and processes;9. Develop a plan for Phase II of the SBIR effort in the form of prototype products with a high potential for successful commercialization; and10. Optional Effort: Software architecture and plan.The marine industry needs assistance in accurately, effectively and efficiently assessing loads for aircraft carriers for the purpose of performing reliability-based designs by properly accounting for relevant uncertainties. Such design methods offer thepotential for weight savings. The anticipated products from this SBIR effort would help in meeting the needs of the industry.