Curle's equation and acoustic scattering by a sphere

Recent papers have initiated interesting comparisons between aeroacoustic theory and the results of acoustic scattering problems. In this paper, we consider some aspects of these comparisons for acoustic scattering by a sphere. We give a derivation of Curle's equation for a specific class of linear acoustic scattering problems, and, in response to previous claims to the contrary, give an explicit confirmation of Curle's equation for plane wave scattering by a stationary rigid sphere of arbitrary size in an inviscid fluid. We construct the complete solution for scattering by a rigid sphere in a viscous fluid, and show that the neglect of viscous terms in Curie's equation yields an incomplete prediction of the far field dipole pressure. We also consider the null field solution of the sphere scattering problem, and give its extension to the vorticity modes associated with viscosity. Finally, we construct a solution for an elastic sphere in a viscous fluid, and show that the rigid sphere/null field solution is recovered from the limit of infinite longitudinal and shear wave speeds in the elastic solid.