The art of stealth has always been a crucial part of warfare.
Throughout history, armies have recognized the importance of outsmarting their enemies. Today, this focus on stealth has led to the development of advanced technologies such as the B-21 Raider bomber, China’s sophisticated radars, and the U.S.’ cutting-edge submarine fleet, which includes submarines like the Virginia and Ohio class. These modern nuclear-powered submarines are renowned for their stealth capabilities, which make America's navy a dominant force worldwide.
China is displaying its military strength. For now, it’s only done so at a theoretical and academic level. To be precise, a recent scientific study claims to have developed a method to detect the most advanced submarines, even when they’re navigating over long distances. Consequently, this has raised concerns about a potential threat to U.S. submarine operations.
Who’s responsible for this study? Led by Shengan Zou, an associate researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the study was published in 2023 by the Chinese Journal of Ship Research. This is a highly respected peer-reviewed journal in China associated with the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, an institution with a long history in naval engineering. The paper is based on research conducted by the Fujian Institute for Research on the Structure of Matter, which, in turn, is linked to the CAS.
What does the study say? According to the research team, an ultra-sensitive magnetic detector makes it possible to locate submarines, including the most advanced models over long distances. Shengnan and her colleagues used computer models to determine whether they could locate the bubbles generated by a nuclear-powered submarine, such as the Ohio and Virginia class, as they move at high speed. The results are promising, especially for the interests of the Asian giant.
“[The result] provides a new solution for the detection and tracking of submarines,” the paper states. In their study, the Chinese researchers also point out that the extremely low-frequency signal from a submersible’s bubbles can be stronger than the sensitivity of advanced magnetic anomaly detectors.
Why does this matter? The solution the study proposes is important because of its potential and because it leverages the “clue” it exploits: the bubbles generated as the submarine moves at cruising speed and the water flows through the hull. However, the researchers still have some work to do to take advantage of their idea.
The Chinese researchers are utilizing the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect, the emissions from cavitation bubbles, and very low-frequency signals that can travel over long distances. Their findings also have another application: “[They] also provide a reference for the selection of electromagnetic communication frequencies for high-speed submarines.”
Is it a perfect technology? No, it’s a technology born of necessity and faces its own challenges. In the military, both detection methods and countermeasures that seek to evade its range are advancing because of tactics such as low-magnetic materials or design.
Experts are searching for new sources of signals. However, as the South China Morning Post reports, this endeavor faces its own challenges: The signal disappears when submarines slow down or stop. In addition, interference, natural electromagnetic noise, man-made signals, and turbulence in the water flow can distort bubbles and signals.
Image | Dvidshub (via Flickr)
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