A METHOD FOR RECOGNIZING UNDERWATER OBJECTS USING MULTIBEAM SONAR TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF AN UNMANNED UNDERWATER VEHICLE

Abstract

The aim of the work is to research and develop a method for recognizing underwater objects using multibeam sonar to ensure the safety of unmanned underwater vehicles and improve the efficiency and safety of underwater communications research. The analysis of the subject area showed that with the increase in the number of underwater communications and their length, the need for periodic inspection to identify damage and foreign objects that can lead to accidents increases. Today, various means are used for survey, such as surface vessels, divers and remotely controlled underwater vehicles. However, these methods have their limitations, which leads to high cost and complexity of work. Unmanned underwater vehicles are a promising solution to the problem of surveying underwater communications. They are characterized by long-term autonomy, high maneuverability and relatively low cost. In addition, they can be equipped with various sensors to collect data on the state of communications. In this work, research and development of a method for recognizing underwater objects using multibeam sonar were carried out to ensure the safety of unmanned underwater vehicles and effective shooting of underwater communications. Simulations have shown that echolocation systems with ten or more beams can successfully identify extended objects with different cross-sections. The probability of detecting even partially hidden objects of vision is more than 85%, which is enough to control unmanned underwater vehicles. Thus, the developed multibeam sonar detection method can be effectively applied in unmanned underwater vehicle control systems to survey underwater communications with high accuracy and reliability. This makes it possible to increase the safety and efficiency of the survey and maintain underwater communications in proper condition.