Algorithmic Design of a Classification System for At-Sea Nuclear Detonations.

摘要

This document presents an algorithmic design of a system for the hydroacoustic detection, localization and classification of a suspected at-sea nuclear detonation. Based on basic acoustic principles and nuclear blast theory, the system provides an estimate of the yield-vs-depth/altitude curve for a remote suspect event based on the hydroacoustic signal received at a deep-ocean hydrophone. It is the conclusion of the authors that this system can provide a high-confidence determination of whether or not a suspect atmospheric event is nuclear in origin. A much lower level of confidence is placed on the determination of the yield-vs-altitude curve for such as event. The cumulative effect of error in signal measurement, error in acoustic predictions required by the system, and possible inherent inaccuracies in the method used determining yield vs altitude could result in order-of-magnitude error in yield/altitude determinations. Nevertheless, its implementation would provide a valuable adjunct to the present nuclear monitoring system. In addition to the development of system-specific software, implementation of the classification program will require extant propagation loss models, environmental data banks and localization algorithms, all of which currently reside at the Naval Ocean Research and Development Activity (NORDA). It is recommended that the system be implemented on the NORDA computer and that NORDA be designated the responsible activity for its operation. (Author)