Underwater Acoustic Deception via Laser-Induced Bubble Cavitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater acoustic deception systems face challenges in effectively deceiving sonar systems used by submarines and torpedoes, as well as naval mines, due to limitations in the range and effectiveness of laser beams in water, and the difficulty in continuously and reliably generating acoustic decoys.
Innovation Solution
An underwater acoustic deception system utilizing a control device, laser oscillator, and emission optical system to focus a laser beam in water, generating bubbles at a desired position and scale, which creates acoustic effects to deceive sensors, including sonars and naval mines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laser beam is emitted toward an underwater target to destroy it, then the target can be destroyed, but the laser beam is greatly attenuated in water making it difficult to reach the target
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the destruction process into two stages: first generating bubbles through laser-induced cavitation, then using the acoustic shock waves from bubble collapse to destroy the target. This separates the energy delivery mechanism (laser creating bubbles) from the destruction mechanism (acoustic shock waves), allowing the laser to operate in an optical medium while the destruction occurs through acoustic pressure in the water.
Solution Approach 2:
Bubbles act as an intermediary between the laser beam and the target. The laser energy is transferred to water to create bubbles, which then collapse and generate acoustic shock waves that propagate to the target. This intermediary allows energy transfer across different media (optical to acoustic) and extends the effective range beyond direct laser penetration limits.
2Reliability
If traditional decoys are used to deceive sonars, then sonar deception is achieved, but the decoys have restrictions on installable places, operation time and cannot continue deceiving sonars anywhere and anytime
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical decoys with an optical-based laser system that generates acoustic effects. Instead of physically deploying mechanical devices that require installation and have limited operational parameters, the laser system can be remotely positioned and activated to create bubble clouds that deceive sonars, providing greater flexibility in deployment and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using laser pulse duration and intensity control to create bubbles of varying sizes and densities. By adjusting laser parameters, the system can create different bubble cloud configurations suitable for various sonar frequencies and detection scenarios, providing adaptability without physical reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If ships carry out minesweeping operations by towing minesweeping equipments, then naval mines behind the ships can be removed, but there is a possibility that a ship detonates a forward naval mine due to its own navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system performs preliminary action by generating bubble clouds in front of the ship's path before the ship reaches the minefield area. These pre-generated bubbles create acoustic deception that triggers forward mines to detonate at a safe distance, clearing the path ahead of the ship without requiring the ship to physically approach or tow equipment through the minefield.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively deceives sonar systems and naval mines by generating acoustic effects from bubbles, allowing for improved protection of ships and reducing the risk of detection and attack, while also enabling safer minesweeping operations.
Implementation Method 1
The laser oscillator generates a laser beam configured to focus in water and generate bubbles
Implementation Method 2
deceiving an arbitrary sensor existing in the water by acoustic effect of the bubbles on the surroundings
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater acoustic deception system deceives a sensor installed on a threat existing in or on water by acoustic effect in order to protect ships from the threat. The underwater acoustic deception system is provided with a control device, a laser oscillator and emission optical system. The control device determines a focusing position to focus a laser beam (50) in water in order to generate bubbles (70) at a desired position with a desired scale and emission parameters of the laser beam (50). The laser oscillator generates the laser beam (50) configured to focus in water and generate bubbles. The emission optical system emits the generated laser beam (50) to the focusing position. The underwater acoustic deception system deceives an arbitrary sensor existing in the water by acoustic effect of the bubbles (70) on the surroundings.