VICKSBURG, Miss. – The Acoustic Camera Systems and Methods for Large-Scale Flow Analysis in Turbid Field Environments is a breakthrough technology developed at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to revolutionize how researchers and engineers monitor fluid motion in turbid waters where traditional optical methods face limitations due to visibility.
Under the leadership of Dr. Brian McFall, a team of skilled professionals from ERDC has been awarded a patent for the invention, “Acoustic Camera Systems and Methods for Large Scale Flow Analysis in Turbid Field Environments,” in August of 2024.
McFall’s team included Dr. David Young, research civil engineer; Dr. Duncan Bryant, senior research coastal engineer; and the late Tim Welp, research hydraulic engineer. Their expertise in acoustic technologies and environmental engineering has produced a cutting-edge system that promises to enhance the understanding of flow velocities near dredging operations.
The two-dimensional velocity field measurement technique can be used in highly turbid environments near dredging operations by applying particle image velocimetry algorithms to backscatter images from an acoustic camera fitted with a concentrator lens. Previous uses of acoustic backscatter images for velocity measurements were limited to very small areas such as blood vessels. This new technology allows two-dimensional velocity fields to be quantified near dredging operations for entrainment risk calculations.
Acoustic camera systems use high-frequency sound waves to penetrate murky waters that typically obscure other sensing technologies to measure high-fidelity two-dimensional velocity fields. By applying advanced acoustic techniques, this system offers velocity field measurements in natural environments, such as rivers, lakes and oceans, even near dredging operations. This will improve engineers’ and scientists’ understanding of the entertainment risk of endangered species, the breakup of mud aggregates, and the dispersal of sediments during dredging operations - ultimately leading to more environmentally friendly, cost effective and efficient dredging operations.
Key Innovations
- Turbid Environment Adaptability: The system was designed specifically for turbid field conditions, overcoming the challenges posed by sediment-rich or murky waters that hinder visibility. By utilizing high-frequency acoustic waves, it provides accurate imaging and velocity data collection even when traditional optical methods fail.
- Large-Scale Analysis: Unlike earlier technologies that were limited to small-scale applications like flow measurements in blood vessels, this system is optimized for large-scale analysis, enabling researchers to monitor larger areas with higher efficiency and accuracy.
Applications
The Acoustic Camera Systems and Methods are particularly suited for:
- Measuring velocity near dredging operations to
- Quantify entertainment risk of endangered species
- Observe breakup of mud aggregates
- Calculate dispersal of sediments during dredging operations
This novel technique is the first of its kind and allows velocity field measurements in previously unattainable areas near dredging operations. With this technology, ERDC continues to support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Navigation Mission.