Modeling and Measurement of Magnetic Signature for Different Hull and Superstructure Configurations of Marine Vessels

The magnetic signature of a marine vessel is the distortion created by a vessel in the Earth's magnetic field. Magnetic signature has long been exploited by sea magnetic mines to destroy or disable marine vessels. To provide protection against magnetic threats, magnetic signature should be minimized. The effect of altering the bridge position of a marine vessel on its induced magnetic signature components is investigated. Three different bridge positions were selected for the study. Numerical modeling was conducted using the full scale ship dimensions and utilizing finite element analysis, while measurements were carried out on a physical scaled vessel model located in a magnetically clean area. For an in-depth analysis and understanding of this effect, 3Dimensional high fidelity numerical and experimental data were collected and mapped to verify the results. The analysis revealed that the bridge position has considerably increased the peak values of the induced signature as its position approaches the vessel's bow. Consequently, the detectability of the marine vessel against magnetic threats has increased.