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20220302_132215.mp4IMG_7270.MOVBackground
Background
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) is one of the oldest and largest centers for earth and ocean science. Within SIO is the Coastal Data Information Programs (CDIP), whose mission is to measure, analyze, archive, and disseminate coastal environmental data to be used by coastal engineers, planners, and managers.
The Coastal Data Information Program employs an extensive network for monitoring waves and beaches along the coastline of the United States. The program was formed in 1975 and maintains to this day a vast database of publicly accessible environmental data. The program has been at the forefront of coastal monitoring, and they have developed numerous innovations in instrumentation, system controls, computer hardware, field equipment and installation techniques.
At the moment the CDIP maintains a modern fleet of 68 satellite connected Datawell Buoys. One of the main goals of the CDIP is to provide the most complete, accurate and timely collection of wave and climatology data. Currently the program experiences on average two buoys collisions per year from vessels, costing them upwards of $150,000 per year. After meeting with the CDIP they informed our team that they believe the collisions may be caused by the lack of radar visibility. Ships primarily use radar as means to navigate and due the low profile and curved nature of the buoy it does not return radar signals reliably. Thus there is a higher chance that a collision can occur.
Project Objective
Project Objective
In the past the CDIP purchased an off the shelf Mobri radar reflector. The CDIP attached the Mobri reflector to some of their buoys and found that the design was not feasible and would end up breaking off the buoy and when attached returned a signal that was weak and not visible at a distance of 100m. The CDIP is now requesting a solution from the MAE 156B Team 8 to help illuminate the buoy's location on radar screens while not affecting the data collected by the buoy. Long term the CDIP needs to see an increased up time for their buoys.
Functional Requirements
Functional Requirements
Optimize geometry to maximize radar backscatter and increase buoy RCS
Lightweight but rigid design
Minimize drag
Sustain harsh marine environment for up to 12 months at a time
Design for manufacturability
Summary of Performance
Summary of Performance
For field testing, a Garmin high definition radar on the CDIP buoy service vessel was used to detect the prototypes. However, there are no quantifiable numbers that can be obtained from the radar. The only performance parameter that can be seen is how prominent the target shows up on the radar screen to distinguish it from noise and other marine objects.
MATLAB Prototype Simulations
MATLAB Prototype Simulations
A MATLAB simulation was performed using the antenna and radar toolbox. This gave the team an estimation of peak RCS value for every prototype. The final design incorporated a 10.16cm (4in) radius octahedral circular corner reflector. A peak RCS value of 6 m2 was simulated, outperforming the previous Mobri reflector which had a simulated peak RCS of 0.275 m2.
IMG_7316.MOVVideo of new reflector showing up on radar at 500m range.
Performance Simulation at 9GHz rcs
Performance Simulation at 9.6GHz rcs
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