A coupled mode examination of irregular waveguides including the continuum spectrum

Abstract

Summary. A coupled mode theory is used to examine surface wave propagation in a laterally inhomogeneous acoustic waveguide. The theory is developed from the equations of motion for the pressure and velocity fields. The presence of lateral inhomogeneities in the form of varying layer thickness causes coupling among the discrete modes of the waveguide and radiation to the continuum. Expressions for the coupling coefficients among all mode types including coupling to the continuum spectrum are derived. The coupling coefficients are proportional to the horizontal derivative of the function describing the interface between layers of constant material properties but varying thickness. The coupled mode equations are solved in approximation for the case of a sinusoidal boundary and a sloping boundary. The results for radiation losses due to interaction with the irregular boundary of the waveguide are presented in analytical form, which clearly show the primary physical effects on the wavefield of the interaction. The far field amplitude of the scattered modes, excited by the interaction of some incident signal with a weak boundary irregularity, is modulated by the spatial Fourier transform of the irregularity.