Acoustic performance predictions via a general theory for the scattering of sound by sound with experimental data from an operational parametric sonar system.

Abstract

In results previously described [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 95, 2PA14 (1994)], a general theory for the scattering of sound by sound has been developed as an exact solution to the Lighthill–Westervelt equation of nonlinear acoustics. Most recently, a computer model based on this theory has been developed in order to support design analysis and performance prediction for parametric array echo-ranging systems and has been applied to a currently deployed operational parametric sonar. The present theory and model have the potential to support a wide range of analyses, including development of beam patterns, source levels, transient waveform effects, as well as the analysis of scattering of sound by sound from intersecting beams as well as the prediction of performance of parametric sources having multiple simultaneous transmit beams. Both the theoretical basis for the model and agreement with experimental data are presented.