Date of Award
Winter 2006
Abstract
The attitude of a side scan sonar towfish may introduce artifacts into the imagery when the towfish attitude exhibits a significant mean offset from horizontal and/or exhibits significant variations over time. The Smart Tail was designed by Boeing Australia for stabilizing the attitude of a Klein System 5000 towfish. This report describes the development and testing of a closed-loop controller for towfish attitude based on the Smart Tail's movable elevators. Transient and steady state response of the towfish pitch and roll motion were evaluated in a tow tank at speeds up to 6 knots. Mathematical modeling and simulation were used to design and build a PD controller for the Smart Tail. Performance of the towfish/Smart Tail assemblage was evaluated via an instrumented field test conducted in a typical seaway. This study concludes that closed-loop active control of a side scan towfish is feasible using controllable elevators.
First Advisor
Lloyd Huff
Department or Program
Mechanical Engineering
Degree Name
Master of Science
Recommended Citation
Conrad, Rebecca Ann, "Development and characterization of a side scan sonar towfish stabilization device" (2006). Master's Theses and Capstones. 224.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/224