& Marine Ops
Automated
Inventory (AIM)
Autonomous
Functions
Battery
Technology
Carbon
Capture
Nuclear
Power
AR Safety
Marine Envs
Cryogenic ammonia releases are of keen interest to determine needed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) variables. As part of this process several lab-scale experiments and Verification and Validation(V&V) studies are being used to determine best practices for models and simulations of ammonia leaks. The experimental work is examining ammonia releases over a water body in a variety of conditions.
Ammonia tank with exit valve
Ammonia tank without exit valve
Preparations are being made to advance the lab-scale tests to larger tests (similar to the Jack Rabbit or Red Squirrel tests but over water).
The research effort took ship-survey 360-degree Fish Eye camera videos of Kennedy Ship assets and extracted image frames to classify each image. Image classification was performed and involves labeling each image vas the most important object of interest in the image.
These image frames were painstakingly annotated for each image with a bounding box around each object of interest (Object Detection). It has been demonstrated that Object Detection (even on 360 Degree Fish Eye camera images) is possible if data annotation is carefully carried out.
The implementation of autonomous systems poses substantial challenges, including high development costs, logistical complexities, and the inherent risks of real-world testing. Replicating rare or extreme conditions—such as severe weather, equipment malfunctions, or collision scenarios—safely and economically adds to these difficulties.
Vessel Dynamic Models
Simulation Framework
Sensors
Test Scenarios
Imazu Test Scenarios
To address these challenges, this work presents a modular, high-fidelity simulation framework designed to provide a controlled and cost-effective virtual environment for the testing and certification of autonomous systems.
Next-generation batteries show promising potential but are not ready for direct implementation in offshore and marine applications. This is primarily due to several challenges: low TRL, limited understanding of thermal runaway behavior, insufficient research on gas generation and explosion hazards, and the lack of a robust safety management strategy for large-scale applications. Additionally, recurring explosions and rekindling of fire following the initial suppression of a battery fire remain poorly understood. To address these challenges, detailed research, and large-scale field tests are crucial to ensuring safe operation and facilitating wider adoption of these technologies.
Battery ABS Paper Images
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Specific energy density range based on development of various battery types
Accident cause analysis for 140 Lithium-Ion Battery(LIB) Thermal Runaway(TR) incidents
Classification of identified LIB fire causes
ARC Setup
Nuclear-powered ships are being considered for a wide range of applications – ice breakers, container ships, military vessels, etc. The recent advances in nuclear power options has created the need to evaluate and look at the alignment between these power units and the power needs and safety needs on a vessel.
Cross-sectional schematic of
a nuclear ship’s reactor containment system
Several reactor configurations exist. Above is the Air-Brayton
Power Conversion System. The power conversion system drives the
size of the nuclear reactors
The augmented reality(AR)/ mixed reality(MR)/ extended reality(XR) (honestly, it seems like “any letter” followed by R) project aims at sustaining and reinforcing the workers’ safety and situation awareness as they perform their routine tasks using XR technologies in industrial settings. The objective is to develop XR enhancements that assist the workers in their tasks without introducing additional risk factors.
Sound Level Warning
RealWear Condition
Phone Condition 2
Sound Warning
HoloLensCondition
Part of the research included the creation of a digital twin of ship aspects (e.g., binders, trip hazards, head knockers, wet spots, valves, noise, etc.) in an experiment room. The purpose of the digital twin is to provide contextual information for the developed systems of each aim, effectively replacing real-time environmental understanding. The goal is to evaluate the proposed systems in a controlled environment to ensure their correct functionality before implementation in a real-world setting. This section discusses the creation of the digital twin and its implementation in Unity.
3D Element Scanning
Detailed models of key elements
Scale environment in Unity
Dynamic Adaptation of UI Features
Environment Understanding
UI Optimization Components
Before the alarm
During the alarm
Sound Warning
ABS Paper Images
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Participants performed various tasks within a simulated industrial hazardous environment while using either one of two off-the-shelf Augmented Reality-Head-Mounted Displays
Tasks(T1-T5) and their associated locations(l1-L6)
Microsoft Teams interface to access the files(I1-I3) and first-person view
visualization of the files (F1-F3)
Sensor normalized number of incidents that reported statistically
significant differences between the conditions.
Normalized User Device Perception scores reveal statistically
significant differences between conditions
Normalized System Usability Scale and NASA TLX scores that reported statistically significant differences between the conditions