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The University of Southampton
NEXUSS - Next Generation Unmanned Systems Science

Autonomous Multi Scaled Exploration Under the Ice

Supervisors: Dr Jon Downes (lead, Engineering & the Environment, UoS),  Dr Henry Ruhl, Dr Maaten Furlong (NOC), Prof Eric Rogers (Electronics & Computer Science, UoS).

Rationale:

There is an ongoing need to study and monitor climate change across the Arctic and Antarctic ocean/sea-ice system. Ocean/sea-ice interactions have a critical role in the global climate and there is an urgent need to determine how these are responding to climate change. To do this effectively, gaps in existing observational datasets that limit understanding of spatiotemporal variability and changes in the ocean around and under the ice shelfs need to be overcome. Autonomous platforms provide a great potential for researching these difficult and risky areas without direct human intervention. The environment under the ice is an ever changing one which provide unique challenges to the navigation and operation of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) – in particular the exploration of sub-ice cavities and other variable ‘inverted terrain’ features. This study will focus on using a multi scaled novel image based techniques to develop a reliable system for the safe operation of autonomous platforms in this extremely hazardous environment. Scientific applications that will be considered include physical, biogeochemical and ecological variation across ice edge gradients. Data from this particularly under-sampled environment will greatly improve the capacity to model and predict the impacts of climate change on the Antarctic ocean/sea ice system and beyond using autonomous systems.

Methodology:

This work will build on recent developments in multi-beam sonar, LIDAR and other image based systems to develop a multi scaled system for the safe and reliable operation of AUV’s under the ice shelf and within confined spaces such as sub-ice cavities. The student will develop a methodology for the integration of course wide area data suitable for navigational feature recognition in conjunction with high resolution survey grade data suitable for the detailed mapping of the local environment using a wide range of sensors. The collected data will be used to develop an onboard map of the surrounding environment both for navigational command and control of the AUV, and detailed survey map of the environment experienced by the AUV during operations thereby providing a greater understanding of the ice development. The control, navigation and communications research will exploit and further develop for applications recent theoretical advances in the theory of grid sensor, or area, networks. Limitations in energy reserves, communication connectivity, and data throughput within the AUV itself will require efficient processing of data to build a map of the surrounding environment that possesses sufficient detail, but does not over tax the AUV systems.

Training:

The NEXUSS CDT provides state-of-the-art, highly experiential training in the application and development of cutting-edge Smart and Autonomous Observing Systems for the environmental sciences, alongside comprehensive personal and professional development. There will be extensive opportunities for students to expand their multi-disciplinary outlook through interactions with a wide network of academic, research and industrial / government / policy partners. The student will be registered at University of Southampton, and hosted at Fluid Structure Interactions Group, Faculty of Engineering and the Environment. Specific training will include:

The student will receive introductory training in the use and deployment of marine autonomous systems and training in the use of the world class hydrodynamic test facilities at the University’s Boldrewood Campus. The student will be provided opportunities to contribute and engage with research and vehicle deployments originating from the Marine Autonomous and Robotic Systems Group at the NOC which hosts Europe’s largest fleet of Marine Autonomous Systems.

Background Reading:

http://www.imas.utas.edu.au/antarctic-gateway-partnership/research/theme-4

Jenkins, A., P. Dutrieux, S. Jacobs, S. McPhail, J. Perrett, A. Webb, and D. White (2012). Autonomous underwater vehicle exploration of the ocean cavity beneath an Antarctic ice shelf.Oceanography 25(3):202–203, http://dx.doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2012.95.

Rogers, E, Galkowski, K., Paszke, W, Moore, K L, Bauer, P H, Hladowski, L and Dabkowski, P (2015) Multidimensional Control Systems: Case Studies in Design and Evaluation. Multidimensional Systems and Signal Processing, Volume 26, Issue 4, pp 895-939

Eligibility and how to apply:

To apply for this project, use the: apply for a NEXUSS CDT studentship

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