Future Needs in Deep Submergence Science Occupied and Unoccupied Vehicles in Basic Ocean Research (2004) / Chapter Skim
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4 Addressing the Need for Improved Deep Submergence Assets
4 Addressing the Need for Improved Deep Submergence Assets
Pages 77-104
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From page 77... ...
Maximizing the return on the investment made in this unique and challenging scientific effort will require overcoming a number of natural and unique human obstacles. Yet, pursuit of many high-priority science goals will be limited by both the current capabilities and the current capacity of National Deep Submer77
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From page 78... ...
IMPROVED UTILIZATION OF EXISTING ASSETS As discussed in Chapter 3 it appears that the scientific demand for deep submergence assets is, at present, not being adequately met. Part of this problem can be traced to an inadequacy in the number and capabilities of existing assets.
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From page 79... ...
To the degree that this perception discourages scientists from more fully developing high-quality research programs that cannot be supported by the existing pool of NDSF assets, this lack of access to suitable assets is limiting the scope of deep submergence science (UNOLS, 1999~. Steps should be taken to eliminate this effect if a meaningful expansion of deep submergence science is to be realized.
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From page 80... ...
For this reason, the valid fiscal argument favoring the use of NDSF assets has the unintended consequence of restricting the scope of deep submergence science. In theory, one possible solution to this problem is to abolish the NDSF, sell its assets, and essentially create a free market for deep submergence scientific support.
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From page 81... ...
The addition of these assets would provide the greatest opportunity to meet the demands of worldclass deep submergence science for scientific endeavors in all regions of the world and in more than 98 percent of the ocean's volume. Construction of a New (7,000-m)
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From page 82... ...
UNOLS and its Deep Submergence Science Committee (DESSC) should develop a strategic plan that identifies the most cost-effective options for supplying the required ship and ROV assess for observatory operation and maintenance and NSF should commit the necessary funds to acquire these assets.
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From page 83... ...
Variable Ballast Systems. To perform midwater research and delicate studies just above a mudline on the seafloor and in boundary layers, a variable ballast system would be required.
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From page 84... ...
Measurements relating to fine-scale physical processes such as mixing vortices and interface structure and dynamics can be done from a stable platform through advanced dye injection techniques and accurate appraisals of the fine-scale distribution of plankton and other particles in the water column or benthic boundary layer. The mapping of vertically stratified fine-scale structures in the water column along a horizontal plane and measurements of associated chemical and biological variables can also be done only when a variable ballast system is employed.
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From page 85... ...
Furthermore, a fairly large database of speciesspecific acoustic signatures is being developed for many finfish species. Such techniques could greatly enhance the capabilities of ROVs conducting biological transects or other midwater column biological research.
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From page 86... ...
Construction of a new ROV would not only address the current excess demand for Jason II but also significantly enhance the geographic range over which deep submergence science can be carried out. Although this study did not have the time or resources to explore the cost and benefits of operating the NDSF asset pool as a distributed facility, serious consideration should be given to basing any new ROV at a second location.
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From page 87... ...
The Committee on Future Needs in Deep Submergence Science has reviewed these options and discussed additional variations that were not included in the WHOI reports (Table 4-1~. The committee also considered the feasibility of a full-ocean-depth HOV.
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From page 88... ...
. Specifically, for an equal-size sphere, nearly doubling the depth capability from 6,500 to 11,000m, would almost double the pressure hull weight.
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From page 89... ...
The only new capability that Seacliff provides beyond the existing Alvin is increased depth capability from 4,500 to 6,000m. Hence, Seacliffsuffers from most of the same limitations, which would be reduced or eliminated in the new Alvin design.
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From page 90... ...
APPROACHES TO CONSTRUCTING A NEW HOV: THE CURRENT STUDY Based on additional input obtained during this study, the following additional desirable features for a new DSV should be incorporated: · Upgrade of variable ballast system. This is a high-priority need if the new HOV is to perform midwater research.
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From page 91... ...
Modification of the existing Alvin titanium sphere with improved viewports 4. Use of the existing Alvin pressure sphere as is.
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From page 92... ...
The original Alvin sphere was built of steel in 1964 but upgraded to titanium in 1973. If fabrication facilities for a new titanium sphere can be confirmed at a reasonable price, a larger-diameter, greater-depthcapacity, better-viewport-arrangement titanium sphere is the most desirable option for the new HOV because it will provide the greatest science capability.
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From page 93... ...
The relative risk of the Lokomo sphere meeting all quality requirements is considered moderate. Approach 3: Modification of the Existing Alvin Pressure Hull It is probable that the existing Alvin sphere can be modified with new viewports.
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From page 94... ...
In the long run, fabricating a new titanium sphere may be high risk, but represents less overall risk since the existing Alvin sphere would not be destroyed. In addition, the deep submergence engineering community would have obtained valuable experience in fabricating the new titanium sphere, whether it is successful or not.
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From page 95... ...
As identified in a recent U.S. Air Force study on unoccupied aerial vehicles, this area of humansystem integration is not merely about the operator controls and displays (the human-computer interface, or MCI)
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From page 96... ...
In the platform payload area, gains are possible by developing or adapting sensors that are smaller, use less power, and are modular. LowTABLE 4-2 Enabling Technology Areas General Area Specific Need Platform payload Communications Operator display or control stations for mission management Sensors (especially optical imaging sensors)
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From page 97... ...
Because of the critical importance of optical imaging sensors, they are given separate treatment in an expanded section at the end of this chapter. An area that shows particular promise for advancement is that of onboard processing and associated software architectures and algorithms.
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From page 98... ...
Use of COTS products (e.g., Linux, MS Windows) significantly reduces costs and enables rapid upgrading Runs the OS layer and consists of the main board, central processing unit (CPU)
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From page 99... ...
Finally, improved decision aids and automation support could enhance operations and reduce operator workload across a range of vehicles, especially legacy HOVs and ROVs. Some promising functional areas have been noted, in the discussion of onboard processing and software architectures or algorithms; these are just as valid for the offboard operator or supervisor.
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From page 100... ...
significantly reduces the advantages of human three-dimensional visualization. Furthermore, the heavy reliance on direct operator vision for HOV operations can lead to observations that are undocumented by conventional still or video imagery.
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From page 101... ...
Virtual or augmented reality (VR) and tale-presence are other evolving technologies for enhanced three-dimensional views, peripheral vision, situation awareness, and hand-eye coordination for manipulation tasks and education in the submergence sciences.
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From page 102... ...
Development of virtual or augmented reality systems for deep submergence science should be a high-priority research initiative that will address a number of inherent technical complexities including, but not limited to, visual artifacts from the movement of lights with cameras; the participating medium (water) , which complicates the three-dimensional reconstruction; and the need for a very large optical dynamic range that approaches the dark-adaptation capability of the human eye to create realistic views.
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From page 103... ...
ADDRESSING THE NEED FOR IMPROVED DEEP SUBMERGENCE ASSETS 103 here should incorporate a wider suite of capabilities than were incorporated in the design of Jason II. This report identifies a number of promising technologies, not all of which are mature enough to be incorporated into any ROV or HOV built in the next two to three years.
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From page 104... ...
Tromp, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, written communication, 2003.
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