An integrated ship sonar dome

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of marine sonar fairing technology, and particularly relates to an integrated marine sonar fairing, comprising a frame, a composite laminate, and a sound-permeable rubber layer; the frame includes intersecting transverse and longitudinal ribs, with grooves on the transverse and longitudinal ribs; the inner surface of the composite laminate is embedded in the grooves and connected to the frame by a mechanical locking mechanism; the composite laminate has a sandwich structure, including an upper prepreg layer, an intermediate damping layer, and a lower prepreg layer; the sound-permeable rubber layer is applied to the outer surface of the composite laminate, and the outer surface of the sound-permeable rubber layer has a biomimetic microgroove texture; at least some of the longitudinal ribs are hollow tubular structures and connected to an external ventilation system. This improves the physical protection of the sonar, the sound transmission effect, and the drag reduction and noise reduction effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine sonar fairing technology, and particularly relates to an integrated marine sonar fairing. Background Technology

[0002] A ship's sonar dome is a streamlined, acoustically transparent device installed at the bow. Its primary function is to protect the sonar transducer and maintain its optimal operating environment. The shell is typically made of materials with excellent sound transmission properties, such as fiberglass and synthetic rubber, ensuring efficient sound wave penetration without distortion. Its teardrop or bulbous shape is designed to reduce water resistance and cavitation noise during ship navigation, preventing its own noise from interfering with sonar detection. The interior is usually filled with an acoustically transparent liquid that matches the sound velocity of seawater to optimize sound wave transmission and balance internal and external pressure. This structure not only prevents marine organism adhesion and corrosion but also acts as a shock absorber and noise reducer, making it a crucial component for modern surface ships to achieve underwater detection, target identification, and navigation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated marine sonar fairing that improves the physical protection, sound transmission, drag reduction, and noise reduction of the sonar.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following invention: an integrated marine sonar fairing, comprising a frame, a composite material laminate, and a sound-permeable rubber layer; The skeleton includes intersecting transverse ribs and longitudinal ribs, and the transverse ribs and longitudinal ribs are provided with grooves; The groove is embedded in the inner surface of the composite laminate and connected to the skeleton by a mechanical locking mechanism; The composite laminate is a sandwich structure, comprising an upper prepreg layer, an intermediate damping layer, and a lower prepreg layer; The sound-permeable rubber layer is applied to the outer surface of the composite material laminate, and the outer surface of the sound-permeable rubber layer is provided with a biomimetic microgroove texture. At least some of the longitudinal ribs are hollow tubular structures and are connected to an external ventilation system.

[0005] According to the present invention, an integrated marine sonar dome includes a mechanical locking mechanism comprising a dovetail-shaped locking hole disposed in the groove and a wear-resistant slider embedded in the edge of the composite material laminate; the wear-resistant slider is made of titanium alloy and is locked by a threaded pin after sliding laterally into the dovetail-shaped locking hole.

[0006] According to the present invention, an integrated ship sonar fairing is provided, wherein the biomimetic microgroove texture of the sound-permeable rubber layer is distributed in a rib-like or corrugated shape, and the extension direction of the microgrooves is parallel to or at a preset angle to the water flow direction of the fairing.

[0007] According to the present invention, an integrated marine sonar dome is provided, wherein the intermediate damping layer is made of butyl rubber or polyurethane viscoelastic material, and the upper prepreg layer and the lower prepreg layer serve as constraint layers to form shear constraint on the intermediate damping layer.

[0008] According to the present invention, an integrated ship sonar dome is provided, wherein the hollow tubular longitudinal ribs are provided with micropores that connect to the external seawater, and the ventilation system injects compressed air into the hollow tubular longitudinal ribs through pipelines to form an air curtain barrier.

[0009] According to the present invention, an integrated marine sonar dome is provided, wherein the sound-permeable rubber layer is bonded to the outer surface of the composite material laminate by an adhesive; the sound-permeable rubber layer is spliced ​​in sections, and the sections are filled with silicone rubber or epoxy putty.

[0010] According to the present invention, an integrated marine sonar dome is provided, wherein the sound-permeable rubber layer is designed with variable thickness, and the segmented splicing of the sound-permeable rubber layer is located within the quadrilateral grid plane formed by the transverse ribs and the longitudinal ribs.

[0011] According to the present invention, in an integrated marine sonar fairing, the grooves on the transverse ribs and the longitudinal ribs are interconnected at the intersection to form a continuous installation channel.

[0012] An integrated marine sonar dome based on the present invention further includes a surface coating, wherein the surface coating is made of polyurea and is sprayed or coated on the outer surface of the sound-permeable rubber layer and the microgroove texture.

[0013] According to the present invention, an integrated marine sonar fairing is provided, wherein the composite material laminate is designed with variable thickness, and the thickness is adjusted according to the stress conditions of different parts.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and technical effects: 1. Improved structural strength and reliability: The frame and composite material laminate adopt a groove-mechanical locking mechanism (titanium alloy wear-resistant slider + dovetail lock hole), combined with a sandwich structure (upper and lower prepreg constraint layers + middle damping layer), which enhances impact resistance, fatigue resistance and vibration damping, and adapts to complex sea conditions.

[0015] 2. Acoustic performance optimization: The biomimetic microgroove texture (ribs / corrugated) of the sound-permeable rubber layer reduces flow noise, and the variable thickness design and segmented splicing (located in the plate plane) reduce sound scattering; the hollow longitudinal ribs allow compressed air to pass through to form an air curtain barrier, further suppressing underwater noise interference.

[0016] 3. Enhanced protection and environmental adaptability: The polyurea surface coating improves corrosion resistance, stain resistance and cavitation erosion resistance; the variable thickness design of the composite material matches the local stress requirements, taking into account both lightweight and structural efficiency.

[0017] Overall, it has achieved a synergistic improvement in sonar detection accuracy, navigation stability, and long-term reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical inventions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall invention.

[0020] Among them, 11. Transverse ribs; 12. Longitudinal ribs; 2. Composite material laminate; 3. Sound-permeable rubber layer. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical inventions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides an integrated ship sonar fairing, comprising a frame, a composite material laminate 2, and a sound-permeable rubber layer 3; The skeleton includes transverse ribs 11 and longitudinal ribs 12 arranged in a cross pattern, and grooves are provided on the transverse ribs 11 and longitudinal ribs 12; The inner surface of the composite laminate 2 is embedded with grooves and connected to the skeleton through a mechanical locking mechanism; The composite laminate 2 is a sandwich structure, including an upper prepreg layer, an intermediate damping layer and a lower prepreg layer; The sound-permeable rubber layer 3 is applied to the outer surface of the composite material laminate 2, and the outer surface of the sound-permeable rubber layer 3 is provided with a biomimetic microgroove texture. At least some of the longitudinal ribs 12 are hollow tubular structures and are connected to the external ventilation system.

[0024] Furthermore, the mechanical locking mechanism includes a dovetail-shaped locking hole set in the groove and a wear-resistant slider embedded in the edge of the composite laminate 2; the wear-resistant slider is made of titanium alloy, and after the wear-resistant slider slides laterally into the dovetail-shaped locking hole, it is locked by a threaded pin.

[0025] Furthermore, the biomimetic microgroove texture of the sound-permeable rubber layer 3 is distributed in a rib-like or corrugated shape, and the extension direction of the microgrooves is parallel to or at a preset angle to the water flow direction of the guide shroud.

[0026] Furthermore, the intermediate damping layer is made of butyl rubber or polyurethane viscoelastic material, and the upper and lower prepreg layers act as constraint layers to form shear constraint on the intermediate damping layer.

[0027] Furthermore, the hollow tubular longitudinal ribs 12 are provided with micropores that connect to the external seawater. The ventilation system injects compressed air into the hollow tubular longitudinal ribs 12 through pipelines to form an air curtain barrier.

[0028] Furthermore, the sound-permeable rubber layer 3 is bonded to the outer surface of the composite laminate 2 with an adhesive; the sound-permeable rubber layer 3 is spliced ​​in sections, with silicone rubber or epoxy putty filling the gaps between the sections.

[0029] Furthermore, the sound-permeable rubber layer 3 is designed with varying thickness, and the segmented splicing of the sound-permeable rubber layer 3 is located within the quadrilateral grid plane formed by the transverse ribs 11 and the longitudinal ribs 12.

[0030] Furthermore, the grooves on the transverse ribs 11 and the longitudinal ribs 12 are interconnected at their intersections to form a continuous mounting channel.

[0031] Furthermore, it also includes a surface coating, which is made of polyurea and is sprayed or coated on the outer surface of the sound-permeable rubber layer 3 and the microgroove texture.

[0032] Furthermore, the composite laminate 2 is designed with variable thickness, adjusting the thickness according to the stress conditions of different parts.

[0033] This invention constructs a novel marine sonar fairing integrating structural load-bearing, acoustic transmission, drag reduction and noise reduction, and maintainability. Its core structure begins with a skeleton composed of intersecting transverse ribs 11 and longitudinal ribs 12, forming a basic grid-like support system. On this foundation, a composite laminate 2 and a sound-permeable rubber layer 3 are applied. The composite laminate 2 employs a unique sandwich structure design, comprising an upper prepreg layer, a middle damping layer, and a lower prepreg layer; while the sound-permeable rubber layer 3 is applied to the outer side of the laminate and features a special biomimetic microgroove texture.

[0034] Firstly, this invention represents a significant innovation in terms of structural connection and maintainability. Traditional fairings often employ integral bonding, which carries the risk of complete scrapping once damaged. In this invention, the inner surface of the composite laminate 2 is not simply adhered, but precisely embedded in pre-set grooves on the transverse ribs 11 and longitudinal ribs 12, and rigidly connected to the frame through a mechanical locking mechanism. This mechanical locking mechanism specifically includes dovetail-shaped locking holes set in the grooves and wear-resistant sliders pre-embedded in the edge of the composite laminate 2. These sliders are preferably made of titanium alloy to ensure strength. During installation, the wear-resistant sliders slide laterally into the dovetail-shaped locking holes and are then locked by threaded pins. This design brings a completely new effect in "maintainability": when the outer composite laminate 2 or the sound-permeable rubber layer 3 is damaged, the damaged laminate module can be replaced individually in the dock by disassembling the locking mechanism, without scrapping the entire fairing or removing a large area of ​​the rubber layer. Meanwhile, this dual fixing method of "mechanical locking + adhesive" constitutes "double insurance," combining the reliability of mechanical connection with the sealing of adhesive, which can resist the huge shear force at high speeds more effectively than simple adhesive, ensuring structural integrity.

[0035] Secondly, the invention incorporates multi-level optimizations for acoustic and hydrodynamic performance. The outer surface of the acoustically permeable rubber layer 3 features a biomimetic microgroove texture, distributed in a rib-like or corrugated pattern, extending parallel to or at a predetermined angle to the water flow direction of the fairing. This design alters the boundary layer flow field, delaying turbulent boundary layer transition, thereby producing a novel effect of "drag reduction and noise reduction," significantly lowering the fairing's frictional drag and flow noise at medium to high speeds. Furthermore, this non-smooth surface also has an "anti-biofouling" effect, reducing the attachment area for marine organisms such as barnacles and algae, and mitigating the acoustic performance degradation and drag increase caused by biofouling.

[0036] In terms of vibration and noise control, the composite laminate 2 of this invention plays a crucial role. Its intermediate damping layer is made of butyl rubber or polyurethane viscoelastic material and is sandwiched between upper and lower prepreg layers. The upper and lower prepreg layers act as constraint layers, forming shear constraints on the intermediate damping layer, achieving a novel effect of "wideband vibration suppression." Addressing the problem of sonar domes easily vibrating and radiating noise inwards when excited by water flow, this structure can convert the mechanical energy of vibration into heat energy for dissipation. This invention can more effectively reduce structural self-noise and improve the sonar signal-to-noise ratio. Simultaneously, this sandwich structure also provides the ability to "absorb impact energy," improving the structure's impact resistance to underwater explosion shock waves or floating objects.

[0037] Finally, this invention features a special design for some of the longitudinal ribs 12, constructing them as hollow tubular structures. These hollow tubular longitudinal ribs 12 are connected to an external ventilation system, and micropores are formed in the tube walls to connect with external seawater. Compressed air is injected into the hollow tubular longitudinal ribs 12 through the pipes, and escapes through the micropores, forming an "air curtain barrier" on the surface of the fairing. This mechanism produces a novel effect of "cavitation control": when the ship is sailing at high speed, cavitation noise is easily generated on the surface of the fairing, and the air film can change the boundary layer pressure distribution, thereby delaying the initiation of cavitation. In addition, the ventilation system also has an auxiliary function; during maintenance, reverse air blowing can quickly drain water that has seeped into the gaps between the frame and the laminate, achieving "internal drainage," effectively preventing internal corrosion and extending the service life of the equipment.

[0038] In summary, this invention systematically upgrades the traditional sonar fairing from multiple dimensions, including structure, acoustics, fluid dynamics, corrosion resistance, and maintainability, through the synergistic effect of components such as the skeleton, composite laminate 2 (containing a specific damping structure), sound-permeable rubber layer 3 (containing biomimetic texture), mechanical locking mechanism, and hollow tubular longitudinal ribs 12.

[0039] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0040] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical invention of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated marine sonar fairing, characterized in that, It includes a skeleton, a composite laminate (2), and a sound-permeable rubber layer (3); The skeleton includes transverse ribs (11) and longitudinal ribs (12) arranged in a cross pattern, and the transverse ribs (11) and the longitudinal ribs (12) are provided with grooves; The inner surface of the composite laminate (2) is embedded in the groove and connected to the skeleton by a mechanical locking mechanism; The composite laminate (2) is a sandwich structure, including an upper prepreg layer, an intermediate damping layer and a lower prepreg layer; The sound-permeable rubber layer (3) is applied to the outer surface of the composite material laminate (2), and the outer surface of the sound-permeable rubber layer (3) is provided with a biomimetic microgroove texture; At least part of the longitudinal ribs (12) are hollow tubular structures connected to an external ventilation system.

2. The integrated marine sonar fairing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanical locking mechanism includes a dovetail-shaped locking hole set in the groove and a wear-resistant slider embedded in the edge of the composite material laminate (2); the wear-resistant slider is made of titanium alloy, and the wear-resistant slider is locked by a threaded pin after sliding laterally into the dovetail-shaped locking hole.

3. The integrated marine sonar fairing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The biomimetic microgroove texture of the sound-permeable rubber layer (3) is distributed in a rib-like or corrugated shape, and the extension direction of the microgroove is parallel to or at a preset angle to the water flow direction of the guide shroud.

4. The integrated marine sonar fairing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate damping layer is made of butyl rubber or polyurethane viscoelastic material, and the upper prepreg layer and the lower prepreg layer act as constraint layers to form shear constraint on the intermediate damping layer.

5. The integrated marine sonar fairing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hollow tubular longitudinal rib (12) has micropores that connect to the external seawater. The ventilation system injects compressed air into the hollow tubular longitudinal rib (12) through a pipeline to form an air curtain barrier.

6. The integrated marine sonar fairing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sound-permeable rubber layer (3) is bonded to the outer surface of the composite material laminate (2) by an adhesive; the sound-permeable rubber layer (3) is spliced ​​in sections, and the sections are filled with silicone rubber or epoxy putty.

7. An integrated marine sonar fairing according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sound-permeable rubber layer (3) is designed with a variable thickness, and the segmented splicing of the sound-permeable rubber layer (3) is located within the quadrilateral grid plane formed by the transverse rib (11) and the longitudinal rib (12).

8. The integrated marine sonar fairing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grooves on the transverse rib (11) and the longitudinal rib (12) are interconnected at the intersection to form a continuous installation channel.

9. An integrated marine sonar fairing according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a surface coating, which is made of polyurea and is sprayed or coated on the outer surface of the sound-permeable rubber layer (3) and the microgroove texture.

10. An integrated marine sonar fairing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The composite material laminate (2) is designed with variable thickness, and the thickness is adjusted according to the stress conditions of different parts.

Images