Reverberation-Limited Sonar Performance Predictions from Experimental Volume-Scattering-Strength Data.
Abstract
Volume reverberation caused by biological scatterers often limits the effectiveness of active sonar systems. For sonar system modes that utilize the refractive properties of the ocean, not only volume scattering strength but also propagation loss to the scatterers varies significantly because of the nonuniform and changing vertical distributions of scatterers. Because the scatterers migrate and concentrate close to the ocean surface at night, the effect of these variations is particularly evident at that time for the surface duct and convergence zone (CZ) modes of sonar operation. In tests involving a mobile sonar platform and a research ship, detection performance estimates, based on measured propagation loss and reverberation levels, were computed for the mobile sonar system operating in CZ mode under volume-reverberation-limited conditions. Explosive sound sources and an omnidirectional hydrophone were used to measure integrated scattering strength (scattering strength of the water column) at the same time as propagation loss and sonar reverberation levels were being measured. In addition, the depth-dependent volume-scattering-strength profile was determined by using 'upward- and downward-looking' transducers (source/receivers).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 24, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA052335
Entities
People
- Louis C. Maples
- Robert K. Dullea
- William I. Roderick
Organizations
- Naval Underwater Systems Center