• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.261-269
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• 2021

Without any validation of the incompressible assumption, most of previous studies on cavitation flow and its noise have utilized numerical methods based on the incompressible Reynolds Average Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations because of advantage of its efficiency. In this study, to investigate the effects of the flow compressibility on the Tip Vortex Cavitation (TVC) flow and noise, both the incompressible and compressible simulations are performed to simulate the TVC flow, and the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) integral equation is utilized to predict the TVC noise. The DARPA Suboff submarine body with an underwater propeller of a skew angle of 17 degree is targeted to account for the effects of upstream disturbance. The computation domain is set to be same as the test-section of the large cavitation tunnel in Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering to compare the prediction results with the measured ones. To predict the TVC accurately, the Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (DDES) technique is used in combination with the adaptive grid techniques. The acoustic spectrum obtained using the compressible flow solver shows closer agreement with the measured one.

• The Journal of Korea Institute of Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.152-163
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• 2022

In this paper, we present a method to enable an unmanned aerial vehicle to drop the sonobuoy, an essential element of anti-submarine warfare, in an optimal deployment. To this end, an environment simulating the distribution of sound detection performance was configured through the Unity game engine, and the environment directly configured using Unity ML-Agents and the reinforcement learning algorithm written in Python from the outside communicated with each other and learned. In particular, reinforcement learning is introduced to prevent the accumulation of wrong actions and affect learning, and to secure the maximum detection area for the sonobuoy while the vehicle flies to the target point in the shortest time. The optimal placement of the sonobuoy was achieved by applying the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm. As a result of the learning, the agent flew through the sea area and passed only the points to achieve the optimal placement among the 70 target candidates. This means that an autonomous aerial vehicle that deploys a sonobuoy in the shortest time and maximum detection area, which is the requirement for optimal placement, has been implemented.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.33-47
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• 2022

In this study, distribution of submarine sand ridges in the coastal waters of Korea was surveyed using multibeam echo sounder data, and the topographic characteristics of each region were identified. For this purpose, the DEM (Digital Elevation Model) data was generated using depth data obtained from the Yellow Sea and the South Sea by Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency, and then applied the TPI (Topographic Position Index) technique to precisely extract the boundary of the sand ridges. As a result, a total of 200 sand ridges distributed in the coastal waters were identified, and the characteristics of each region of the sedimentary sediments were analyzed by performing statistical analysis on the scale (width, length, perimeter, area, height) and shape (width/length ratio, height/width ratio, linear·branch type, exposure·non-exposure type). The results of this study are expected to be used not only for coastal navigational safety, but also for marine naming support, marine aggregate resource identification, and fisheries resource management.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.250-261
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• 2023

In this study, the noise contributions by the duct, stator and rotor, which are the propulsor components, are evaluated to identify the flow noise source in cavitation and non-cavitation conditions on pumpjet propulsion and the noise levels in both conditions are compared. The unsteady incompressible Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equation based on the homogeneous mixture assumption is applied on the suboff submarine hull and pumpjet propeller in the cavitation tunnel, and the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method and Schnerr-Sauer cavitation model are used to describe the two-phase flow. Based on the flow simulation results, the acoustic analogy formulated by Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) equation is applied to predict the underwater radiated noise. The noise contributions are evaluated by using the three types of impermeable integral surface on the duct, stator and rotor, and the two types of permeable integral surface surrounding the propulsor. As a result of noise prediction, the contribution by the stator is insignificant, but it affects the generation of flow noise source due to flow separation in the duct and rotor, and the noise is predominantly radiated into the upward and right where the flow separations are. Also, the noise is radiated into the thrust direction due to pressure fluctuation between suction and pressure sides on the rotor blades, and the it can be seen that the cavitation effect into the noise can be considered through the permeable integral surface.

• Strategy21
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• s.34
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• pp.128-148
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• 2014

In south Korea, the so-called 'conservative-liberal' rivalry over the assessment of the government's North Korean policies is seen to be impeding the road to right policy choices. For example, the liberals accused former President Lee Myung-bak's hardline policy of provoking Pyongyang and leading to a deterioration of inter-Korean relations, while the conservatives appreciated it for helping nurture mutually beneficial inter-Korean relations in the longer term by compelling North Korea to observe international norms. However, such debate over the vices and virtues of Seoul's North Korea policies is hardly meaningful as the measuring sticks used by the liberals and the conservatives are entirely different matters. The two major goals South Korea must pursue with its North Korean policies should be 'peaceful management of division' and 'change in North Korea'. The former is related to maintaining stability within South Korea and promoting co-prosperity with North Korea. For this, the nation needs to engage, encompass and assist the Pyongyang regime. The second goal is also necessary since South Korea, as a divided nation, must seek a unified Korea under the system of democracy and market economies by bringing change in North Korea. For this, South Korea needs powerful leverages with which it can persuade and coerce the North. This means that the nation is destined to simultaneously chase the above-mentioned two goals, while also both recognizing and negating the legitimacy of the North Korean regime. This situation necessitates Seoul to apply flexibility in reconciling with Pyongyang while applying firm principles to sever the vicious circle involving the North's military provocations. The May 25 Measures, which banned trade and economic cooperation with the North except those related to humanitarian assistance, were taken as sanctions against Pyongyang for sinking the South Korean corvette Chonan in March 2010. The Measures were taken by the Seoul government immediately after a multinational investigation team discovered evidence confirming that the South Korean naval ship had been torpedoed by a midget North Korean submarine. Naturally, the May 24 Measures have since then become a major stumbling block in inter-Korean exchange, prompting opposition politicians and concerned entrepreneurs to demand Seoul to unilaterally lift the Measures. Given the significant damages the Measures have inflicted on inter-Korean economic relations, removing them remains as homework for both Koreas. However, the Measures pertains to the 'principles on national security' the Seoul government must adhere to under all circumstances. This is why North Korea's apology and promises not to repeat similar provocations must come first. For now, South Korea has no alternative but to let North Korea solve the problems it has created. South Korea's role is to help the North do so.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.745-764
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• 2023

In the Republic of Congo, Banded iron formations (BIFs) occur in two areas: the Chaillu Massif and the Ivindo Basement Complex, which are segments of the Archean Congo craton outcropping in the northwestern and southwestern parts of the country. They show interesting potential with significant mineral resources reaching 2 Bt and grades up to 60% Fe. BIFs consist mostly of oxide-rich facies (hematite/magnetite), but carbonate-rich facies are also highlighted. They are found across the country within the similar geological sequences composed of amphibolites, gneisses and greenschists. The Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS)-normalized patterns of BIFs show enrichment in elements such as SiO₂, Fe₂O₃, CaO, P₂O₅, Cr, Cu, Zn, Nb, Hf, U and depletion in TiO₂, Al₂O₃, MgO, Na₂O, K₂O, Sc, Th, Ba, Zr, Rb, Ni, V. REE diagrams show slight light REEs (rare earth elements; LREEs) compared to heavy REEs (HREEs), and positive La and Eu anomalies. The lithological associations, as well as the very high (Eu/Eu^*)_SN ratios> 1.8 shown by the BIFs, suggest that they are related to Algoma-type BIFs. The positive correlations between Zr and TiO₂, Al₂O₃, Hf suggest that the contamination comes mainly from felsic rocks, while the absence of correlations between MgO and Cr, Ni argues for negligeable contributions from mafic sources. Pr/Pr^* vs. Ce/Ce^* diagram indicates that the Congolese BIFs were formed in basins with redox heterogeneity, which varies from suboxic to anoxic and from oxic to anoxic conditions. They were formed through hydrothermal vents in the seawater, with relatively low proportions of detrital inputs derived from igneous sources through continental weathering. Some Congolese BIFs show high contents in Cr, Ni and Cu, which suggest that iron (Fe) and silicon (Si) have been leached through hydrothermal processes associated with submarine volcanism. We discussed their tectonic setting and depositional environment and proposed that they were deposited in extensional back-arc basins, which also recorded hydrothermal vent fluids.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.214-224
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• 2024

Sonobuoys are disposable devices that utilize sound waves for information gathering, detecting engine noises, and capturing various acoustic characteristics. They play a crucial role in accurately detecting underwater targets, making them effective detection systems in anti-submarine warfare. Existing sonobuoy deployment methods in multistatic systems often rely on fixed patterns or heuristic-based rules, lacking efficiency in terms of the number of sonobuoys deployed and operational time due to the unpredictable mobility of the underwater targets. Thus, this paper proposes an optimal sonobuoy placement strategy for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to overcome the limitations of conventional sonobuoy deployment methods. The proposed approach utilizes reinforcement learning in a simulation-based experimental environment that considers the movements of the underwater targets. The Unity ML-Agents framework is employed, and the Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) algorithm is utilized for UAV learning in a virtual operational environment with real-time interactions. The reward function is designed to consider the number of sonobuoys deployed and the cost associated with sound sources and receivers, enabling effective learning. The proposed reinforcement learning-based deployment strategy compared to the conventional sonobuoy deployment methods in the same experimental environment demonstrates superior performance in terms of detection success rate, deployed sonobuoy count, and operational time.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.140-148
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• 2008

In this study, a numerical method for a time-domain acoustic wave backscattering analysis is established based on a physical optics and a Fourier transform. The frequency responses of underwater targets are calculated based on physical optics derived from the Kirchhoff-Helmholtz integral equation by applying Kirchhoff approximation and the time-domain signals are simulated taking inverse fast Fourier transform to the obtained frequency responses. Particularly, the adaptive triangular beam method is introduced to calculate the areas impinged directly by acoustic incident wave and the virtual surface concept is adopted to consider the multiple reflection effect. The numerical analysis result for an acoustic plane wave field incident normally upon a square flat plate is coincident with the result by the analytic time-domain physical optics derived theoretically from a conventional physical optics. The numerical simulation result for a hemi-spherical end-capped cylinder model is compared with the measurement result, so that it is recognized that the presented method is valid when the specular reflection effect is predominant, but, for small targets, gives errors due to higher order scattering components. The numerical analysis of an idealized submarine shows that the established method is effectively applicable to large and complex-shaped underwater targets.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.91-107
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• 2024

Single-channel seismic exploration has proven effective in delineating subsurface geological structures using small-scale survey systems. The seismic data acquired through zero- or near-offset methods directly capture subsurface features along the vertical axis, facilitating the construction of corresponding seismic sections. However, substantial noise in single-channel seismic data hampers precise interpretation because of the low signal-to-noise ratio. This study introduces a novel approach that integrate noise reduction and signal enhancement via matrix rank optimization to address this issue. Unlike conventional rank-reduction methods, which retain selected singular values to mitigate random noise, our method optimizes the entire singular value spectrum, thus effectively tackling both random and erratic noises commonly found in environments with low signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, to enhance the horizontal continuity of seismic events and mitigate signal loss during noise reduction, we introduced an adaptive weighting factor computed from the eigenimage of the seismic section. To access the robustness of the proposed method, we conducted numerical experiments using single-channel Sparker seismic data from the Chukchi Plateau in the Arctic Ocean. The results demonstrated that the seismic sections had significantly improved signal-to-noise ratios and minimal signal loss. These advancements hold promise for enhancing single-channel and high-resolution seismic surveys and aiding in the identification of marine development and submarine geological hazards in domestic coastal areas.

• Strategy21
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• s.34
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• pp.58-92
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• 2014

Even after S. Korea took 5.24 Measure(24 May 2014), N. Korea has not stopped raising provocations such as the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island, electronic and cyber attacks. To make matters worse, the communist country lunched long-range missiles(twice) and conducted 3rd nuclear test, escalating tensions which could possibly lead to an all-out war. Korean Government failed to respond properly. However, escalation into an all-out war was deterred by the CFC immediately carrying out its peacetime duty(CODA). The US made a rapid dispatch of its augmentation forces(Aircraft carrier, nuclear-powered submarine, strategic bomber, F-22) to the Korean Peninsula. In recognition of the importance of the Combined Forces Command, since May 2013 the Park Geun-Hye Administration has been pushing ahead with re-postponement of Wartime Operational Control Transfer(which initially meant the disassembling of the CFC as of 1 December 2015) More recently, there has been a series of unusual indicators from the North. Judging from its inventory of 20 nuclear weapons, 1,000 ballistic missiles and biochemical weapons, it is safe to say that N. Korea has gained at least war deterrence against S. Korea. Normally a nation with nuclear weapons shrink its size of conventional forces, but the North is pursuing the opposite, rather increasing them. In addition, there was a change of war plan by N. Korea in 2010, changing 'Conquering the Korean Peninsula' to 'Negotiation after the seizure of the Greater Seoul Metropolitan Area(GSMA)' and establishing detailed plans for wartime projects. The change reflects the chain reaction in which requests from pro-north groups within the South will lead to the proclamation of war. Kim, Jeong-Un, leader of N. Korean regime, sent threatening messages using words such as 'exercising a nuclear preemptive strike right' and 'burning of Seoul'. Nam, Jae-June, Director of National Intelligence Service, stated that Kim, Jung-Un is throwing big talks, saying communization of the entire Korean Peninsula will come within the time frame of 3 years. Kim, Gwan-Jin, Defense Minister, shared an alarming message that there is a high possibility that the North will raise local provocations or a full-fledged war whenever while putting much emphasis on defense posture. As for the response concept of the Korean Government, it has been decided that 'ROK·US Combined Local Provocation Counter-Measure' will be adopted to act against local provocations from the North. Major provocation types include ▲ violation of the Northern Limit Line(NLL) with mobilization of military ships ▲ artillery provocations on Northwestern Islands ▲ low altitude airborne intrusion ▲ rear infiltration of SOF ▲ local conflicts within the Military Demarcation Line(MDL) ▲ attacking friendly ships by submarines. Counter-measures currently established by the US involves the support from USFK and USFJ. In order to keep the sworn promise, the US is reinforcing both USFK and USFJ. An all-out war situation will be met by 'CFC OPLAN5027' and 'Tailored Expansion Deterrence Forces' with the CFC playing a central role. The US augmentation forces stands at 690,000 troops, some 160 ships, 2,000 aircraft and this comprise 50% of US total forces, which is estimated to be ninefold of Korean forces. The CFC needs to be in center in handling both local provocations and an all-out war situation. However, the combat power of S. Korean conventional forces is approximately around 80% of that of N. Korea, which has been confirmed from comments made by Kim, Gwan-Jin, Defense Minister, during an interpellation session at the National Assembly. This means that S. Korean forces are not much growing. In particular, asymmetric capabilities of the North is posing a serious threat to the South including WMD, cyber warfare forces, SOF, forces targeting 5 Northwestern Islands, sub-surface and amphibious assault forces. The presence of such threats urgently requires immediate complementary efforts. For complementary efforts, the Korean Government should consider ① reinforcement of Korean forces; putting a stoppage to shrinking military, acquisition of adequate defense budget, building a missile defense and military leadership structure validity review, ② implementation of military tasks against the North; disciplinary measures on the sinking of ROKS Cheon-an/shelling of Yeonpyeong Islands, arrangement of inter-Korean military agreements, drawing lessons from studies on the correlation between aid for N. Korea, execution of inter-Korean Summit and provocations from the North, and ③ bolstering the ROK·US alliance; disregarding wartime operational control transfer plan(disassembling of CFC) and creation of a combined division.