Enhanced Resistance to Mine Detonation

The objective of this proposed research is to demonstrate thatbubble screens of the type produced by ship maskers may enhanceresistance to mine detonation. Ship masker systems are acousticcountermeasures that utilize air bubbles to mask potentialtargets. Masker systems work by reducing radiated noise from asurface ship by injecting air bubbles into water adjacent to thewet surface of a ship. The large difference in the speed ofsoundbetween the air bubbles and the surrounding water make them veryefficient as reflectors of acoustic energy.BENEFITS: If the bubble screens produced by ship masker systems can be proven effective in reducing the vulnerability of surface combatants to underwater shock originating from an exploding mine, there would alsobe a benefit to the commercial shipping industry. Cargo ships transporting hazardous materials and supertankers carrying huge volumes of oil face similar threats from the global proliferation of mines. There would be support for development of such systemsfor commercial ships from maritime certification organizations such as American Bureau of Shipping, Lloyd's Register and Det Norske Veritas should this research prove successful