Regional Class Research Vessel acoustic design support

The National Science Foundation selected Oregon State University (OSU) to lead the design and acquisition for the new Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRVs).  OSU enlisted Glosten to develop the functional design documents, and NCE has worked with Glosten since the initial concept design stages of the program. 

Destined to transform regional ocean science in the United States, the RCRVs will enable multidisciplinary research and marine environmental education, serving a broad range of users and providing platforms for science, education, and training.

During the design stages, NCE and Glosten identified appropriate acoustical goals that allow the vessel to meet its operational objectives without imposing excessive requirements that would cause negative impacts on non-acoustical vessel performance.  This goal identification was followed by numerical acoustical modeling to predict and understand the radiated noise of the vessel, accounting for different propulsion systems, machinery options, and other design factors.  Models were updated throughout the preliminary design process to facilitate the development of the acoustical portions of the vessel specification. NCE is currently supporting the oversight of the detail design stages in cooperation with Glosten by performing reviews of shipyard designs, drawings, and other documents, and will continue the oversight process through sea trials and delivery.   

The three vessels are currently under construction at Gulf Island Shipyards.