Optimization of transmitting beam patterns of a conformal transducer array.

Area of Science:

• Underwater Acoustics
• Array Signal Processing
• Transducer Technology

Background:

• Conformal arrays are crucial for underwater acoustic applications.
• Achieving low-sidelobe beam patterns is essential for signal clarity and reducing interference.
• Traditional methods for calculating driving-voltage weighting vectors can be complex and may not yield optimal results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new method for calculating the driving-voltage weighting vector for conformal transducer arrays.
• To achieve a low-sidelobe transmitting beam pattern using measured receiving array manifold data.
• To maximize the axial acoustic pressure amplitude while maintaining constant driving voltage amplitude.

Main Methods:

• A method is developed to relate the radiated acoustic field, measured receiving array manifold matrix, and the driving-voltage weighting vector.
• An optimization approach is employed to calculate the driving-voltage weighting vector.
• Measurements were conducted on a 27-element conformal array at 12.5 kHz in an anechoic water tank.

Main Results:

• The proposed method successfully calculated the driving-voltage weighting vector for the conformal array.
• Computer simulations and experimental results validated the method's effectiveness.
• A low-sidelobe transmitting beam pattern was achieved with maximized axial pressure amplitude.

Conclusions:

• The presented method provides an effective way to design driving-voltage weighting vectors for conformal transducer arrays.
• The technique ensures a low-sidelobe beam pattern and optimal acoustic pressure in the axial direction.
• This approach enhances the performance of underwater acoustic transmitting systems.