Acoustic Detection of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Grant
Overview
abstract
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This support requested in this proposal will expand the PI's capabilities for the study of outdoor noise propagation in air as it relates to the detection of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Specifically, the PI has been involved in modeling and measurements of acoustic propagation over distances ranging from hundreds of meters to several kilometers. This related work will apply existing infrastructure and expertise to a related, important problem. The measurement equipment requested in this proposal represents an important advance in the PI's ability to characterize the propagation of sound in authentic outdoor environments at realistic ranges. The specific equipment requested includes a UAV airframe and associated hardware that is capable of GPS controlled waypoint flight. This duplicates existing equipment such that one UAV can be instrumented with a microphone array and programmed to capture synchronized acoustic recordings as well as atmospheric and position information. The second UAV then serves as the potential threat that will be characterized with the high spatial resolution synthetic array made possible by the waypoint flight in the second UAV. Taken together, the measurement system is a 14 channel distributed acoustic array that will allow for detailed mapping of the acoustic signatures of other UAV in a variety of weather conditions. The system will not only serve in a research function for the current efforts, but also will be the basis for a senior level elective course in experimental methods and resource for students who desire an independent study opportunity. In addition, the requested support will strengthen the PI's existing collaborative relationship with Pitt County Schools, specifically with South Central High School, by allowing paid stipends for high school students to be summer research interns on this project. The PI's commitment to involving both high school undergraduate students in meaningful research endeavors prepares them for success as undergraduates, in graduate study or professional practice in many aerospace, NASA, or DoD related paths.
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