Brüel & Kjær is a world-leading provider of noise and vibration test and measurement solutions. Acoustic stealth discretion play a vital role in ship and submarine operations. Brüel & Kjær supply systems for noise signature management: acoustic ranging of submarines and surface ships; noise source investigation during design and build; and for acoustic trials and self noise monitoring during operations. Brüel & Kjær also supply systems for underwater acoustics, shock testing, noise and vibration testing and structural dynamics testing.
Products range from specialist high-quality sensors and cabling, multichannel data acquisition, to task-oriented application software and final documentation and reporting.
Acoustic noise ranging system
The Brüel & Kjær acoustic noise ranging system is a complete measurement and analysis system for static and dynamic ranging of surface and underwater vessels. Acoustic ranging systems determine the underwater acoustics of the vessel’s acoustic signature. Analysis of the signature can provide valuable information regarding vessel classification, identification, activities and capabilities.
Noise source investigation
The Brüel & Kjær noise source investigation solutions provide a number of tools to help identify the source of noise problems and thus better manage on-board noise. Acoustic mapping provides the capability to rapidly identify the area of the hull that is radiating noise, and hence allow the identification of the noise source. Beamforming and Acoustic Holography can be used using a microphone- or hydrophone-based array to deliver a high-definition representation of the distribution of acoustic sources within the vessel.
The application of source path contribution (SPC) can help understanding of how much different inputs contribute to the underwater acoustic noise, and hence the acoustic signature of a vessel. SPC answers the questions; which inputs are important? Which noise paths are most critical? How do noise paths interact? Is it a system (path) or source problem?
SPC allows one to classify how these “paths” contribute to the overall exterior acoustic signature of the vessel.
Acoustic trial systems for submarines
Acoustic trials are performed to establish the complete acoustic baseline of the submarine. Going through all the operational and procedural manoeuvres of the submarine and its different platforms, an acoustic trial is a very complicated and intensive test. Brüel & Kjær delivers turn-key solutions, for these “carry on-board” systems that are robust and easy to install in the small confine spaces. As these system are temporary installed, they must be easy to install and dismantle.
Self noise monitoring systems for underwater vessels
The Brüel & Kjær self noise monitoring system is a permanently installed system to monitoring the exposed acoustic signature of the complete platform.
Permanently installed sensor arrays (e.g. accelerometers and hydrophones) are located throughout the vessel, providing the inputs to the self noise monitoring system.
The system’s main feature is to provide the crew with instant feedback of its projected acoustic signature during the operations of the vessel. As on-board machinery will deteriorate over-time, the system is also equipped with fault finding features to identify the causes of increased levels appearing in the overall acoustic signature of the vessel.
About Brüel & Kjær
Brüel & Kjær is a world leading provider of noise and vibration test and measurement solutions, boasting over 65 years in the sound and vibration business. Solutions cover acoustic, rotating, structural and environmental testing for the civil, military and space industries.
Brüel & Kjær, a member of Spectris, has headquarters in Denmark and has fully owned sales and support offices and accredited calibration centres throughout the world.