UCSB LOCUS
Low-Cost Underwater Sensing
Low-Cost Underwater Sensing
Abstract
Oceanography researchers aim to measure turbulent flow under the ocean to learn useful weather information and predict certain events such as tornadoes and vortexes. Turbulent analysis also allows researchers to learn about the mapping of solids under the ocean. Currently, means of measuring turbulence are acoustic velocimeters that are expensive and easily break. The LOCUS team at UCSB aims to explore alternative ways of measuring turbulence that are cheaper and more accessible, to make oceanography and turbulence study more available. As such, the study and understanding of oceanography in the community will be further developed, as it benefits all of us.
Members & Roles
Computer Engineering
Team Lead, Software Architecture
Computer Engineering
Prototyping, Embedded Programming
Computer Engineering
DSP, Embedded Programming
Our Current Progress
Fall 2023:
We purchased a PLN2020 Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) sensor to be used for testing the feasibility of measuring turbulent flow underwater according to a paper (https://doi.org/10.1119/1.4960466).
We modified a pre-existing tcl script that reads the sensor data through X window systems using Ubuntu 22.04. We found that the sensor can measure velocities based on the position reading and time elapsed data bytes.
We created an enclosure for the sensor and started testing and measuring velocity underwater using a test tank with water mixed with KCO3 tablets, with the sensor at the output of the pump, we found the sensor was not able to measure any data.Â
Winter 2024:
We started hypothesizing that the sensor only works with a certain amount of density of particulates inside the water, so we began creating testing setups to measure the turbidity at which the sensor would start to work.
We also created a testing rig that measures the accuracy of velocity measurement by placing the sensor next to a disk, of which we can rotate to specify the tangential velocity of different radii on the disk.
Halfway through the quarter, we found that the LDV sensor we have been pursuing requires a planar surface to measure flow, and therefore not useful in this scenario.
We are currently investing in other methods of measuring turbulent flow. Ethan is working on testing the feasibility of piezoelectric flex sensors, whereas Minh is working on testing using water pressure sensors in a differential arrangement similar to aerodynamic probes.
A great thank you to our sponsors!
Professor Yoganada Isukapalli in the ECE department
Professor Nick Nidzieko in the Geography department