Properties of Transducers: Underwater Sound Sources and Receivers
Abstract
Transducers are used in all aspects of naval sonar systems on surface ships and submarines for target classification and detection, depth and surface sounding, acoustic communication, homing torpedoes, obstacle avoidance, echolocation, and alike. The ability to receive and generate underwater sound is based on the science and art of transducer design, which is a specialized science and technology of its own. A sonar transducer is a device that generates acoustic energy and or receives acoustic energy. Sonar transducers used in the Navy usually consist of arrays of individual transducer elements so that directional beams are formed to send or receive acoustic energy into directions where it is wanted. In many sonar systems the arrays have both a separate transducer for generating sound (projector) and receiving sound (hydrophone), and in some sonar systems the transducer is used as both in order to save weight, space, and cost. An overview of transducers that are used for transmitting sound (projectors) and receiving sound (hydrophones) for underwater sonar applications is presented. Basic sonar transducer design fundamentals are discussed along with working design examples for various projector and hydrophone designs are shown, as well as an extended list of references.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 19, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1068326
Entities
People
- Stephen C. Butler
Organizations
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center