Defence
We provide analysis software and services for towed arrays, AUVs, vessels, launch and recovery systems, submarines, towfish, and naval operations.
Overview
DSA works extensively with defence research scientists, navies, naval architects, and defence contractors to create numerical models of towed arrays, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), submarines, vessels, launch and recovery systems, and other naval technologies that are impacted by wind, waves and currents.
These studies help to improve performance and validate design requirements. Numerical simulation can greatly reduce physical prototyping and testing costs during research and development.
Project Examples
Launch and recovery of small craft from a frigate
The launch and recovery of small rescue crafts (e.g. rigid hull inflatable boat) for search and rescue from larger platforms such as a frigate is a high-risk operation for navies. Since 2009, DSA has been developing software tools and expertise for Defence Research & Development Canada (DRDC) Atlantic to de-risk launch and recovery activities.
Davits and multi-purpose boom cranes are tested in a highly fidelity numerical simulation that accounts for the effects of ship motions, the wind, waves, and currents. Critical information provided includes loads on the rigging and cranes as well as accelerations and motions of the equipment and craft. DSA’s simulations for DRDC show equipment safety and performance levels in various sea states.
UUV recovery with a submarine
Submarines operate in littoral waters. Their operational abilities can be expanded significantly by using UUVs. While launching UUVs is relatively straightforward, recovering them to the submerged submarine is far more complex. The problem of recovering a UUV has been investigated by DSA in conjunction with DRDC. The resulting simulations show how hydrodynamics, sensors accuracy, mechanical designs, and control algorithms affect the recovery of the UUV.
Numerical simulation has been shown to greatly reduce physical prototyping and testing costs. The complexity of the UUV recovery methods are ideal for testing using DSA’s simulation tools.
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- Towed arrays
DSA has validated its analysis software to assess the loads and motions of towed arrays. The ProteusDS finite-element line model and ShipMo3D enable efficient assessment of:
- Layback
- Tension in components
- Response to ship maneuvering (e.g. turning, zig-zag)
- Response to vessel motions using RAOs
- Launch & recovery
The dynamics launch and recovery operations may be assessed by DSA using ProteusDS and ShipMo3D. Using know-how developed through extensive research with DRDC Atlantic, DSA can assist navies and the offshore industry to assess many aspects of launch and recovery including:
- Crane pedestal loads
- Lifting line loads
- Tag line loads
- Vessel motion and interaction
- Determination of safe operating procedures
- Comparison of davit and boom crane systems
- Seakeeping & Maneuvering
Using ShipMo3D, DSA can perform seakeeping and maneuvering studies. 3D visualization is possible using ProteusDS.
- AUVs & Towed Bodies
DSA has been developing extensive capabilities to assess how subsea robotics platforms such as AUVs and towed systems can be controlled in strong currents and waves. Subsea robotics are playing an increasingly important role in navies, and DSA’s analysis capabilities can assist in minimizing technology development risks.
Mission planning and controller algorithms can be tested using HIL and SIL analyses with the ProteusDS API.
DSA can conduct CFD analyses to determine hydrodynamic coefficients for use in numerical simulation and for design purposes.
- Submarines
Submarine hydrodynamics can be assessed using technologies such as ShipMo3D and ProteusDS. Numerical modeling is key to ensuring that submarines can be controlled optimally.
DSA has validated its analysis software to assess the loads and motions of towed arrays. The ProteusDS finite-element line model and ShipMo3D enable efficient assessment of:
- Layback
- Tension in components
- Response to ship maneuvering (e.g. turning, zig-zag)
- Response to vessel motions using RAOs