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Distributed Intelligence for Automated Survivability Thrust

Overview

With the introduction of digital computer networks, naval machinery control systems are undergoing tremendous change. However, most of the new computerized machinery control systems are merely a one-for-one replacement of their analog predecessors. Little has been done to rethink the basic architecture of machinery control, much less the broader scope of ship-wide control. In order to achieve such advances, this thrust is addressing the development of robust control of automation architecture, the ability to provide reconfiguration of systems in response to casualties, and further improvements in automated damage control.

Research and development in distributed intelligence for shipboard systems will produce payoffs for both the surface and submarine fleets:

Photo of operator at computer terminal, caption immediately follows

The Distributed Intelligence for Automated Survivability thrust develops automation architectures that push intelligence to the lowest practical level in the system, thus providing robust control and the ability to reconfigure in response to damage events.

Total ownership cost reduction will occur for complex Navy systems; in particular, for surface ships. This will be achieved through improvements in both acquisition, operational, and maintenance costs. Operational and maintenance improvements may be derived from more efficient operation of propulsion, electrical and machinery systems; increased system reliability; and optimization of manning requirements for machinery systems and damage control.

Improved warfighting capability will be achieved by reducing vulnerability to damage and failure events, by assisting in rapid recovery from failure or damage through dynamic reconfiguration and rapid sensing and response, and by improving the ability to fight while hurt.

Emphasis of the Thrust

Although the content of this effort is not divergent enough to be specifically divided into sub-thrusts, there are three major areas of emphasis:

Distributed Intelligence Control Systems
Characterization of Damage and Failure Mechanisms
Unified Technology Evaluation Environment

Distributed Intelligence Control Systems

This initiative will develop systems theory for intelligent distributed learning agents, for rapid casualty control and reconfiguration, and for fusion of physical and information processes. It will:

Help optimize system topologies;
Enhance control system dependability due to fault tolerance and system integrity strategies;
Realize life cycle cost savings associated with manning reduction;
Improve affordability through the use of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) technology;
Provide a modular, scaleable approach for ship automation systems; and
Improve the ability to sustain operational capability after a weapon impact or internal ship casualty.

Characterization of Damage and Failure Mechanisms

This effort will focus on modeling and simulation of ship damage phenomenology in support of more intelligent sensors. Work under this task will:

Demonstrate real-time situational awareness during fire casualty;
Decrease time to detect, classify, and suppress fires with reduced manning; and
Further develop the ability to model a fire event.

Unified Technology Evaluation Environment

The intent of this segment of the thrust is to provide an optimized technology assessment approach that can be used to select system architectures and define the elements of systems and their control. This will enable:

Improved system survivability using segregated zones for ship systems;
An increase in unmanned spaces;
Reduction of costs via manning reduction and use of commercially off-the-shelf (COTS) technology; and
Reduction of the sea-based infrastructure/hotel service requirement by 5 tons/man.