Active acoustic illusions for stealth and subterfuge

Area of Science:

• Acoustics
• Metamaterials
• Stealth Technology

Background:

• Acoustic illusion devices offer a novel method to evade detection systems like sonar by manipulating target information.
• Current devices rely on metamaterials for predetermined acoustic illusions.
• Active control offers greater flexibility than passive metamaterial-based illusions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the first active acoustic illusion system.
• To demonstrate the generation of acoustic illusions around a rigid object using active control.
• To explore illusions in both global and forward-scatter acoustic fields.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing monopole control sources and error sensors in a circumferential arrangement around a rigid object.
• Employing a line array of control sources and error sensors for forward-scatter illusions.
• Implementing active feedback control to shape the global acoustic field.

Main Results:

• Successful generation of active acoustic illusions around a rigid object.
• Demonstration of illusions in the global acoustic field via circumferential arrays.
• Achieved illusions in the forward-scatter region using linear arrays.
• Multiple illusion types were realized with a single control configuration.

Conclusions:

• Active acoustic illusion technology provides a versatile approach to defeating sonar and other detection systems.
• The proposed method allows for dynamic and adaptable acoustic deception.
• This work represents a significant advancement in acoustic stealth and counter-detection strategies.