Underwater radiated noise levels of a research icebreaker in the central Arctic Ocean

TitleUnderwater radiated noise levels of a research icebreaker in the central Arctic Ocean
Publication TypeJournal Abstract
Year2013
AuthorsRoth, EH, Schmidt, V, Hildebrand, JA, Wiggins, SM
JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
Keywordsacoustic noise, sea ice, ships, underwater sound

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy's underwater radiated noise signature was characterized in the central Arctic Ocean during different types of ice-breaking operations. Propulsion modes included transit in variable ice cover, breaking heavy ice with backing-and-ramming maneuvers, and dynamic positioning with the bow thruster in operation. Compared to open-water transit, Healy's noise signature increased approximately 10dB between 20Hz and 2Hz when breaking ice. The highest noise levels resulted while the ship was engaged in backing-and-ramming maneuvers, owing to cavitation when operating the propellers astern or in opposing directions. In frequency bands centered near 10, 50, and 100Hz, source levels reached 190-200dB re: 1 μPa at 1 m (full octave band) during ice-breaking operations.

URL to Journalhttp://link.aip.org/link/?JAS/133/1971/1
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