Propagation Loss Model Assessment at Low Frequencies in a Bottom-Limited Region

Abstract

A physical insight into the problem of low frequency propagation loss modeling in a bottom-limited region is gained by comparison of a representative range of prediction models with a precisely determined set of experimental data. One series of the Project BILL(Below and In Layer Propagation Loss) measurements was conducted at 100 Hz during December 1973 in the Tongue of the Ocean, Bahama Islands, at a water depth of approximately 1800 meters. A pulsed CW acoustic projector was towed at a depth of 76 meters along an accurately determined track to a range of 40 kiloyards. The pulses were received at hydrophones located both in and below the surface duct. Despite excellent experimental control, predictions from various propagation loss models have been unable to reproduce major features of the multipath interference structure of the data. Although few firm conclusions are possible, the report discusses several possible contributory causes for the discrepancies, major among these being inadequate bottom modeling. Implications for future trends in the development of low frequency propagation loss models for bottom-limited regions are briefly examined.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 30, 1976
Accession Number
ADA027354

Entities

People

  • Frederick R. Dinapoli
  • Grant Gartrell

Organizations

  • Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Propagation
  • Acoustics
  • Bottom Loss
  • Experimental Data
  • Frequency
  • Geometry
  • Grazing Angles
  • Losses
  • Measurement
  • Multipath Interference
  • Ray Tracing
  • Reflection
  • Refraction
  • Shallow Water
  • Three Dimensional
  • Tongue Of The Ocean
  • Topography

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Oceanography.
  • Theoretical Analysis.