Array Plate Apparatus Having Tunable Isolation Characteristics
Abstract
It is therefore a primary object and general purpose of the present invention to provide an apparatus for use on an underwater vehicle in which the apparatus significantly reduces the amount of vehicle self-noise that travels to an array plate of the undersea vehicle. It is a further object of the present invention to significantly reduce the noise floor at which acoustic transducers operate. An apparatus having an array plate and an isolation section joined to the perimetrical edge of the plate. The isolation section has a plurality of isolation layers and a plurality of intermediate layers alternately arranged wherein an intermediate layer is positioned between consecutive isolation layers. An innermost isolation layer is joined to the perimetrical edge of the array plate and an outermost isolation layer is adapted to be joined to a hull structure of an underwater vehicle. Each isolation layer is made from energy absorbing material and each intermediate layer is made from generally rigid material. The isolation section substantially reduces vehicle self-noise from traveling to the array plate. Interchangeable depth stop members having various geometries are used to adjust the stiffness of the isolation section so as to maximize the isolation characteristics of the isolation section at particular water depths at which the underwater vehicle operates.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 26, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA470543
Entities
People
- Neil J. Dubois
Organizations
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center