Propagation and Ambient Noise Studies for Ocean Acoustics Applications

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study the characteristics of the low and mid frequency ocean ambient noise field. This is in combination with studying how to develop physics based processing to improve sonar system performance in low signal to noise ratio scenarios. Basic research on ocean ambient noise has led to several potential applications for the Navy. In recent work we have developed a new type of passive sensor that uses ocean noise to extract information about the seabed properties without using sound projectors or explosives [1]. The value and impact of these techniques could be significant and we are investigating various ways to take advantage of the noise field. The passive nature of noise based processing is appealing in situations where sound sources are not desired (e.g. due to environmental restrictions). Further, the measurements are relatively simple compared to using conventional methods which require one (possibly two) research ship(s) as well as specialized sources and/or sonar systems (e.g. chirp sonar). While the noise processing techniques are a powerful tool for passive seabed-characterization, we are just beginning to understand how these methods work as well as the limitations.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 30, 2010
Accession Number
ADA542074

Entities

People

  • Martin Siderius

Organizations

  • Portland State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Communications
  • Acoustic Propagation
  • Acoustics
  • Ambient Noise
  • Artifacts
  • Beam Forming
  • Bottom Loss
  • Coefficients
  • Frequency
  • Grazing
  • Grazing Angles
  • Losses
  • Noise
  • Physics
  • Reflection
  • Seabed
  • Steering

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Acoustics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design