Cergol Engineering is a consulting company that has been working successfully for over 30 years in the field of structural testing and analysis of noise and vibration in the shipbuilding industry. Noise and vibration analysis are carried out on the basis of complex numerical calculations that can be suitably calibrated with the data collected through on-board measurement campaigns. This approach has been also used in Corma project, as the prediction of underwater noise is calculated accounting for ray-tracing and finite elements theories. This framework allows to calculate a map of underwater noise propagation levels produced by the naval traffic in the Gulf of Trieste, processing noise mainly caused by exhaust gas systems , propellers, machinery and noise radiated by the naval structure. Cergol Engineering created the analytical model of underwater noise propagation based on the knowledge of the routes of the ships that cross or stop in the gulf and on the extensive and already available database of noise levels for different boat types. Later, thanks to the support of the partners OGS and Transpobank, some buoys were located in the Gulf and the actual underwater noise values were measured to validate and correct the mathematical model.
Transpobank ’s experience in transmitting and receiving data settled in over twenty years knowledge in satellite systems and real-time tracking fields and it was put to use in CORMA remote module, designed together with OGS, which acquires and transmits a considerable amount of data measured by the hydrophone 24 hours a day. The module, designed by Transpobank, consists of a single card PC (SBPC) and of a dual SIM router 4G, which transfers several Gb of data per day. This flow of information is received by Transpobank own laboratory servers, located in AREA Science Park, and is sent to OGS IT after a preliminary data check. Transpobank has also developed the website that collects all the project’s data and represent the dashboard of the entire digital dish, from underwater noise to control panel.
The National Institute of Oceanography and Geophysics and Experimental Geophysics – OGS was involved in the project both in the scientific validation of methods, protocols and systems, and during hardware and software development, with the collaboration of other beneficiaries. OGS activity consisted in an in-depth study, relevant to the proposed system, aiming at identifying and developing the sensor useful to measure relevant physical, chemical and biological parameters, as well as the black boxes installed on the buoys.
