Assessing the viability of ultrasonic distance sensors for a wave profiling system

Abstract

This paper outlines a preliminary assessment of the viability of a novel direct wave height measuring method. The method employs a network of ultrasonic distance sensors mounted on an unmanned surface craft. The system will allow for vehicle relative wave height to be measured, while also extracting information about the directionality of the most significant waves. The paper discusses results from a set of preliminary tests conducted to determine whether ultrasonic distance sensors are capable of accurately measuring the shape of waves. When conducting the tests in the wave tank at Memorial University of Newfoundland, the ultrasonic sensor was mounted on a static platform above the water and pointed down towards the surface of the water. Waves of various amplitudes and frequencies were generated and the ultrasonic sensor's measurements were compared to those of a highly precise capacitance wave probe. There was a strong agreement between the ultrasonic sensor based and the wave probe readings. The data from the ultrasonic sensor was found to be suitable for measuring the height and shape of the wave for a large range of geometric configurations. Some of the limitations of the ultrasonic sensor compared to the capacitance wave probe are discussed in further detail in this paper.