The Effects of Selected Modelling Parameters on the Computed Optical Frequency Signatures of Naval Platforms.
Scientific Publication
- Report Number:
- DSTO-TR-2277
- Authors:
- Smith, S.
- Issue Date:
- 2009-04
- AR Number:
- AR-014-501
- Classification:
- Unclassified
- Report Type:
- Technical Report
- Division:
- Maritime Platforms Division (MPD)
- Release Authority:
- Chief, Maritime Platforms Division
- Task Sponsor:
- CCSG
- Task Number:
- NAV 07/070
- File Number:
- 2008/1012214
- Pages:
- 86
- References:
- 13
- Terms:
- Platforms; Naval ships; Signatures; Computer systems
- URI:
- http://hdl.handle.net/1947/9984
Abstract
An investigation has been carried out into the effects of wireframe detail and model subprocessing on the predicted optical frequency (OF) signature of a platform. This report describes the results of that investigation. Overall it is concluded that to be able to compare the computed OF signatures of different platforms with validity, the models of the platforms have to incorporate the same level of wireframe detail, especially in internally-heated regions such as their stacks. They also have to be processed using subdivisions of very similar size, based on the same method of facet subdivision.
Executive Summary
Computer-based modelling plays an important part in the assessment of the optical frequency (OF) signatures of naval platforms. The nature of such signatures means that they are heavily dependent on the prevailing environmental conditions and a platform’s settings, such as its heading and speed. Measurements of OF signatures are expensive, difficult to perform and only give a single snapshot of the signature under the conditions in which they are taken. Modelling allows the prediction of the signature of a platform under any conditions and in any location. Modelling can also be used to predict the signature of a future platform. It therefore has a role in the acquisition process, assessing and comparing the signatures of competing platform designs, and in the upgrade process, examining the effects on the OF signature of proposed changes to a platform. It may also be used to help determine which platform in a group is most suited to perform a given mission. Although OF signature modelling is an established capability, it has not previously been ascertained how the level of detail in a wireframe model and the type of model subprocessing used affect the process. These factors are of particular significance when comparing the signatures of different platforms. An investigation has therefore been carried out into their effects on the predicted OF signature of a platform. This report describes the results of that investigation. Overall it is concluded that to be able to compare the computed OF signatures of different platforms with validity, the models of the platforms have to incorporate the same level of wireframe detail, especially in internally-heated regions such as their stacks. They also have to be processed using subdivisions of very similar size, based on the same method of facet subdivision.