Chinese scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that could potentially threaten the military superiority of the United States in the oceans. Their research, published in one of the most authoritative scientific journals in China, reveals a vulnerability in modern submarines that had previously gone unnoticed. The study conducted by scientists from the Fujian Institute for Research on the Matter of the Chinese Academy of Sciences highlights the ability of existing technologies to detect air bubbles left by a submarine at high speeds, and calculate the vessel’s location based on this information.
Former US Navy captain Karl Shuster acknowledges that submarines are an area where the United States retains indisputable superiority over China. However, this recent study can cast doubt on that claim. The team, led by JOU Shennan, discovered that ultra-sensitive magnetic detectors can detect traces of even the most advanced submarines from a significant distance. These traces come in the form of air bubbles, which are generated by the submarine’s cruising speed and result in an electromagnetic signal known as the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect.
Computer modeling has shown that noticeable induced electrical signals can be observed around the nose, stern, and back of the submarine. These signals have a frequency ranging from 49.94 Hz to 34.19 Hz and can spread over long distances in the aquatic environment. This finding suggests that traditional electromagnetic detection technologies, which mainly rely on the use of low-machine or non-metallic materials, may not be effective in countering this new detection method.
The researchers emphasize the urgent need for further study on this new type of signal source. They also warn of practical challenges associated with detecting signals created by submarine cavitation. This discovery has significant implications for both military and civil sectors, as it offers a new way to detect and track submarines. It can also serve as a basis for choosing the appropriate electromagnetic frequency for high-speed submarines.