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Ultra-wide sensor arcs for low frequency sonar detection with a baffled cylindrical array
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|November 10, 2009
Summary
Improving passive sonar detection at low frequencies is possible by using signal diffraction. Widening sensor arrays to include the acoustic shadow can enhance signal-to-noise ratio, despite potential elastic scattering effects.
Area of Science:
- Underwater acoustics
- Signal processing
- Sonar systems
Background:
- Passive sonar arrays can be limited at low frequencies.
- Signal diffraction around baffles offers potential for improvement.
- Elastic scattering effects complicate low-frequency performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the practical gains in sonar detection performance at low frequencies.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of exploiting signal diffraction in baffled arrays.
- To analyze real-world data from a platform-mounted sonar array.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of at-sea recorded data from a platform-mounted sonar array.
- Examination of passive detection performance using baffled cylindrical arrays.
- Consideration of signal diffraction and elastic scattering effects.
Main Results:
- Theoretical models suggest significant signal-to-noise ratio gains by widening sensor arcs into the acoustic shadow.
- Elastic scattering effects at lower frequencies may limit practical gains.
- Empirical data analysis is used to determine actual performance improvements.
Conclusions:
- Exploiting signal diffraction in baffled arrays shows potential for enhancing low-frequency passive sonar detection.
- Real-world performance gains are influenced by the interplay of diffraction and elastic scattering.
- Further analysis of sea-recorded data is crucial for validating theoretical predictions.
