Damage detection for autonomous underwater vehicles

A method of on-line monitoring AUV onboard systems is described. This algorithm determines deviations from normal operating conditions based on a damage level calculated from recursive least squares system identification performed on the system under consideration, followed by a gradient detection technique which extracts significant changes in identified model parameters System damage types are characterized together with likely system responses to such failures. Extensive testing of the algorithm is performed using several simulated AUV on-board systems undergoing different types of failures while carrying out different mission scenarios.