Wave Theory Corrections to Ray Theory Predictions of Average Long-Range Propagation.

Abstract

This study of corrections to propagation predictions based on ordinary ray theory is motivated by the problem of low-frequency ambient noise caused by surface shipping. Shipping noise is caused by many sound sources, widely distributed in range and azimuth from any receiver. The sources - propellers and machinery - are near the sea surface, at depths where large gradients of the sound speed are often found. These circumstances can lead to significant errors in calculations of low-frequency sound propagation based on ordinary ray theory. The objective of this study is to quantify the significant errors in ray theory calculations, and to indicate when they arise and how corrections may be made in the calculation of low-frequency shipping noise.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1977
Accession Number
ADA043378

Entities

People

  • J. C. Heine
  • P. W. Smith Jr.

Organizations

  • BBN Technologies

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustics
  • Ambient Noise
  • Boundaries
  • Complex Variables
  • Delta Functions
  • Depression Angles
  • Differential Equations
  • Directional
  • Equations
  • Frequency
  • Intensity
  • New York
  • Plane Waves
  • Reflection
  • Sound Pressure
  • Wave Equations
  • Waves

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Marine Mammal Biology
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Wave Propagation and Nonlinear Chaotic Dynamics.