Objective:           
This one-day on-site course provides an overview of the subject of underwater radiated noise of ships and marine structures, including common sources of marine noise, noise reduction strategies , testing methods and analysis of results.

Approach:           
Noise sources, radiation characteristics and underwater propagation are introduced at the conceptual level and supported with simple calculations.  Common noise control approaches for new design or refit are presented and methods for making underwater noise measurements are explored in detail, with discussions of challenges and lessons learned.  The course concludes with examples of data analysis applications, including diagnostic investigation of noise problems, development of quiet ship operating guidance and demonstration of compliance with requirements and regulations.

Audience:           
This course is appropriate for engineers working in the design, construction or operation of ships, industrial facilities or offshore platforms, as well as for those responsible for conducting underwater noise measurements.  Naval architects, project and program managers, environmental compliance officers and others responsible for overseeing efforts where underwater radiated noise is of concern will also benefit.

Topics :        

  • Introduction to underwater sound propagation
  • Ship and industrial noise sources
    • propeller broadband noise, cavitation; rotating machinery; fluid-coupled systems; active acoustic emissions;  pile driving, construction; industrial operations; offshore platforms
  • Noise reduction
    • propeller design; low-noise machinery; isolation mounts; path control;  operational strategies to reduce noise emission
  • Radiated noise measurement approaches
    • acoustic test ranges; vessel-deployed systems; buoys and remote sensors; shallow water and pier-side measurements; navigation and range safety
  • Radiated noise measurement system and test requirements
    • Hydrophones, cabling and signal conditioning; digital acquisition systems; real time monitoring; position tracking and ranging; ANSI / ISO standards
  • Data analysis and applications of radiated noise measurements
    • spectral analysis; broadband levels; correlation and cross-spectral analysis; source and path investigations; environmental impact studies; ICES and IMO guidelines

Instructor:           
Dr. Chris Barber is the founder of Multipath Science and Engineering Solutions and has over twenty years’ experience in applied acoustics research, including radiated and shipboard noise testing of naval and research vessels.  He has taught courses and advised students in acoustics, audio and electrical engineering at the undergraduate, graduate and professional continuing education levels.

Resources:          
Course participants receive a hard copy of the instructor’s course notes and selected reference materials.  Following the course, opportunities are provided to schedule a web-based follow-up Q&A session between the instructor and course participants.  


< Back