Directive line source model: a new model for sound diffraction by half planes and wedges

A new method termed Directive Line Source Model (DLSM) is presented for predicting the diffracted field produced by a sound wave incident on a rigid or pressure release half plane. In the new method the edge of the half plane is modeled as an infinite set of directive point sources continuously distributed along the edge. Because DLSM is fast, simple and intuitive, it is a promising tool for the study of diffraction. It can be applied for several types of incident radiation: omnidirectional cylindrical and spherical waves, plane waves, as well as waves from directional sources. Wedges may also be treated. Finally, DLSM can handle diffraction by an arbitrarily shaped edge profile, for example, a half plane having an edge that is jagged instead of straight. Results for plane, cylindrical and spherical incident waves, as well as for arrays of line and point sources, are presented and their agreement with known analytical solutions is demonstrated. Predictions based on DLSM compare favorably with experimental data.