Date of Award
Winter 2006
Project Type
Thesis
Program or Major
Mechanical Engineering
Degree Name
Master of Science
First Advisor
Lloyd Huff
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.
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
