POWER LIMITATIONS AND FIDELITY OF ACOUSTIC SOURCES
Abstract
The generation of a high-intensity acoustic field which is a faithful replica, or at least a known function, of the input signal is a prime requirement in modern active sonar systems. Most sonar signals in use are modulated sine waves. Therefore, transducers must be capable of efficiently transforming this type of signal. It is evident that design criteria and test procedures based on steady-state sine-wave signals are not adequate. The potential gain in sonar performance to be realized by maximizing signal power without distortion merits increased effort addressed to this problem. This report is intended to point out some of the problems associated with the generation of maximum-energy acoustic fields by large multielement sources and to suggest techniques of analysis and testing. The use of electrical analog analysis of power-limiting factors in transducer elements appears to be an attractive method if a means can be developed for estimating the range of acoustic-loading values experienced by elements in an active array. A description of calibration procedures used and results obtained in tests of the ARTEMIS acoustic source are presented to serve as an example of proposed test methods.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0378127
Entities
People
- F. L. Hunsicker
- R. H. Ferris
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory