An Estimation of the Backscattering Strength of Artificial Bubbles Using an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler

Acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) were developed to acquire water current velocities, as well as depth-dependent echo intensities. As the backscattering strength of an underwater object can be estimated from the measured echo intensity, the ADCP can be used to estimate plankton populations and distributions. In this study, the backscattering strength of bubble clusters in a water tank was estimated using the commercial ADCP as a proof-of-concept. Specifically, the temporal variations in the backscattering strength and the duration of bubble existence were quantitatively evaluated. Additionally, the PDSL (population density spectrum level) and VF (void fraction) of the artificial bubbles were characterized based on the obtained distribution characteristics using a PDPA (phase Doppler particle analyzer).