Nascent Noise Reduction Strategies for Underwater Vehicles

Noise reduction concepts applicable to small underwater vehicles and in the nascent stages of research, are considered. These questions are asked. How to lower the propulsor rotational rate while maintaining forward speed? How to reduce blade tonal? How to supplant the propulsor drive train, which is the main source of hull vibration and radiated noise? The highlights of progress in passive and active approaches are reviewed. The approaches are inspired by unsteady high lift principles employed in flying and swimming animals and by emerging artificial muscle technology.