Mid-Frequency Reverberation Measurements with Full Companion Environmental Support
Abstract
The long-term goal is to understand mid-frequency (1-10 kHz) acoustics in shallow waters through measurements and modeling, including propagation, reflection, and forward- and backscatter, as well as reverberation. The top-level goals of this effort are to understand the important environmental processes that impact mid-frequency sonar performance in shallow water environments, and to develop means to efficiently collect those environmental data. The overall goal is to conduct a reverberation experiment in very shallow water off the coast of Panama City, Florida in FY13. This field project is part of TREX (Target and REverberation eXperiment). The frequency range is 1-10 kHz, emphasizing 3-4 kHz. The Navy relevance is reflected in the fact that detection using mid-frequency sonar is in most cases reverberation limited. This project addresses a clear need in basic research for a 6.1 level measurement program, using well-controlled geometries and high resolution environmental measurements, designed (1) to test models predicting reverberation and (2) to quantify the most important environmental measurements to make in order to maintain accuracy in those predictions. Data from such the experiment will be used for testing various forward and inversion techniques, and could also be used for training purposes. The water depth of the experiment is in the range of 15-25 m. The relevant water depth for naval applications covers the entire continental shelf. The key issue for reverberation is small grazing angle propagation and scattering in a waveguide. The major burden of such an experiment program is measuring the environment that influences reverberation. Reducing the region over which the environment needs to be measured becomes a primary consideration. By restricting the water depth to 15-25 m, the range at which the sound field is dominated by small grazing angle propagation and scattering is shorter than at deeper depths.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA599027
Entities
People
- Dajun Tang
Organizations
- University of Washington