Acoustic pulse diffraction by step discontinuities on a plane

Abstract

High‐frequency acoustic pulse diffraction of a point source by step discontinuities in a hard plane boundary is analyzed with the uniform geometrical theory of diffraction. Proper treatment of source and receiver locations at shadow boundaries provides a more complete analysis than before for the 90-degree step as evidenced by frequency‐domain numerical values. Time‐domain results for the 90-degree step, for a 30-degree inclined step, and for two offset half‐planes illustrate the significance of corner reflection and double diffraction missing from earlier numerical models based on Kirchhoff diffraction theory. Advantages in accuracy, computational efficiency, and scope of application of geometrical over Kirchhoff diffraction theory are indicated.