Project Title:

NASA Three-Dimensional Underwater Positioning System

08.25-1311
900024
NASA Three-Dimensional Underwater Positioning System

Abstract:

The proposed three-dimensional underwater positioning system development will be
based on modification of the 300KHz sonic high accuracy positioning system (SHARPS)
to operate at 1MHz in order to obtain the required resolution. The modifications
will provide the precision required by NASA to detect targets at distances up to
75 feet with a resolution of 0.063 inches. The 1MHz sonic sensor system will provide
accurate three-dimensional measurements for NASA during hardware development and
testing at the neutral buoyancy simulator (NBS). The modified SHARPS transducer combined
with the modified SHARPS software will provide accurate three-dimensional measurements
to interface with and drive the NASA computer controlled equipment. Applied Sonics
Corporation (ASC), developer of the 300KHz SHARPS technology, will design the 1MHz
transducer modifications. The firm will fabricate and develop the 1MHz SHARPS system
including:  the transducer hardware, modifications to the SHARPS software, the interface
for the MSFC computer, the test requirements, the test plan and procedures, and conduct
the necessary testing. It is proposed that the new hardware and software modifications
under-go verification, validation and development testing at the contractors facility
and then, MGI will perform an on-site demonstration of the 1MHz SHARPS system at
MSFC, Huntsville, Alabama. During the on-site demonstration a complete assessment
of the MSFC system requirements will be determined for the Phase II efforts.
The innovative short range high accuracy SHARPS will find application in precision
control of underwater vehicles working around ship hulls, in restricted spaces, around
piers, and in steel and other tanks, as well as in precision underwater surveying
and scale model testing required for the design of offshore structures.
sonics, acoustics, high frequency, three-dimensional positioning, precision measurements,
underwater position