Fiber optic sensors and networks for U.S. Navy shipboard tests and trials

After a U. S. Navy ship is built but before it is placed into service, many performance tests of all shipboard systems are conducted. These tests vary greatly in who performs the test, the purpose of each test, which system or systems are being tested, and the duration of each test. As naval warfare ships become increasingly complicated, the performance tests that are conducted also become numerous and complex. The current test philosophy prescribes that for each test and test organization, telemetry cables for electrical sensors are strung throughout the ship immediately prior to the test being conducted. As the shipboard tests and trials become more numerous and complex this philosophy becomes expensive from a labor and materials point of view.

This thesis proposes an economical solution to the current test and trials problem by offering a fiber optic network with optical sensors. The fiber optic network will be designed to accommodate as many different users as possible, and it will be installed once, during the new ship construction. Prior to the network design, optical fiber sensor schemes are discussed. One sensing scheme, using quartz crystal oscillators, looks promising for the test and trials application. This one sensing method can be applied to acceleration, velocity, displacement, temperature, current, and voltage. Thus economies can be realized by using one network and sensor type for the majority of tests and trials applications.