Wave follower instrumentation platform redesign and test

Abstract

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) sponsored the design and fabrication of a wave follower system. The wave follower is a mechanical device designed to position sensors above and below the sea surface. Instruments are mounted on a platform suspended on an endless loop of cable rigged between two pulleys; an idler pulley below the sea surface and a drives pulley above the surface. Data obtained with the wave follower system confirms sea surface data obtained with synthetic aperture radar or other remote sensors. ONR's wave follower was originally designed and built by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Messrs Harris and DeCicco of EG&G Washington Analytical Services Center Inc. Performed all design and engineering to modify ONR's wave follower. This included replacing the direct current electric servo drive with one based on electronically controlled hydraulics and other modifications to increase the instrument payload and frequency response.<>