The API was awarded with a Homeland Security grant under the topic area of threat prevention. The $350,000 project is titled “Waterborne Threat Interdiction Utilizing Underwater Impulse Generation” and will be lead by Dr. Phillip Womble.

The goal for this project is to develop an impulse generator for deterring hostile underwater intruders and disrupting underwater equipment that could threaten out ports and our naval assets. Currently, there is little defense against a terrorist attack from beneath the water, making this an area of high vulnerability. Prime terrorist targets within our ports include facilities and ships that handle large quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Attacks on these resources could produce enormous damage and result in extensive loss of life. Other high-profile terrorist targets include petroleum tankers, port-side refineries and chemical plants, and off-loading terminals. In-land vulnerabilities exist at dams, locks, levies, and riverfront terminals.

The proposed project will provide an acoustic impulse generator that can deter or defeat a wide range of threats approaching our nation’s harbors and waterways. WKU will be developing computer models and creating special sensing devices to monitor the performance.

• API Awarded Grant for Threat Prevention.

For further information, contact Katie Moore at 270-781-3859 or Katie.Moore@wku.edu.