564 



REVIEW OF ONR TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PROGRAMS 15 



Environmental Characterization 



Scientific research and technological development applicable to deep-sea 

 operations include techniques for bottom mapping and sub-bottom profiling (as 

 well as existing databases), understanding sediment and its properties, and mod- 

 eling suspended sediment distribution. Ocean bottom seismometers are available 

 for monitoring seismic activity at potential operating sites. Programs for in situ 

 measurement and modeling of the ocean environment discussed earlier comple- 

 ment these activities. 



Operational Systems Support 



The broad category of operational systems support highlights technologies 

 that have the potential to improve efficiency and enhance safety and environmen- 

 tal comphance of ongoing or future undersea and surface operations. These 

 technologies would include system monitors and sensors for metering flow using 

 nonobtrusive methods or for detecting leaks or determining status and projecting 

 failure. ONR efforts in the area of condition-based maintenance (i.e., mainte- 

 nance systems capable of adjusting to real-time system needs as opposed to 

 simply following predetermined schedules) could be applied to reduce operating 

 costs and forecast potentially catastrophic failures. ONR is developing advanced 

 hydrodynamic design methods that can be used to increase efficiency and lower 

 the cost and weight of pumps and pump systems. Other technologies under 

 development include long-lived power and energy sources that can operate in the 

 deep ocean, including both thermal (wick and Hj/O,) and electric (rechargeable 

 batteries and fuel cells) systems. 



The greatest obstacle to future developments in remote vehicles is clearly the 

 lack of cost-effective power and energy systems that can operate for long periods 

 underwater. ONR breakthroughs in this area would constitute a major contribu- 

 tion to deep-sea technology development. 



OCEAN SALVAGE OPERATIONS 



Technology for marine salvage and related activities can be divided into five 

 areas covering the following capabilities: 



• Bottom and sub-bottom characterization 



• Object surveillance, location, and identification 



• Work environment and life support (including deep-water diving tables) 



• Work systems 



• Greater autonomy, improved training, and simulation 



Technologies for bottom and sub-bottom characterization include acoustical 



