Analysis of a compliantly suspended acoustic velocity sensor

The dynamics of a compliantly suspended acoustic velocity sensor having a spherical geometry are analyzed using theory and experiment. The analysis starts with a review of the motion associated with an unconstrained solid sphere when subjected to an acoustic plane wave in an unbounded inviscid fluid medium. The theory is then modified to account for the inclusion of an inertial sensor and an external suspension system. Accordingly, the open-circuit receiving response of a geophone-based and accelerometer-based device is derived. Density variations associated with the sphere and the surrounding fluid medium are assessed along with the effects fluid viscosity. Wave effects in the sphere and the suspension system are also analyzed.