Acoustic scattering from dynamic rough ocean surfaces using finite-difference time-domain modeling techniques

Abstract

Established models for underwater acoustic propagation and scattering typically assume the sea-surface to be either perfectly smooth or rough but static in time. When the sea-surface is rough and moving, received signals show anomalies such as additional transmission losses (due to scattering) and Doppler effects (due to surface motion). Understanding the mechanisms behind these anomalies leads to better sonar system designs without having to perform expensive at-sea experiments. The Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method is ideal to predict these physical phenomena. This work presents a FDTD method implemented to model the impact of both sea-surface roughness and motion on underwater acoustic propagation. The FDTD method allows an arbitrary function to define the rough sea-surface and its time evolution. The surface characteristics are modeled using a Pierson-Moskowitz (PM) frequency spectrum. The PM surface model is simple to implement and fully defined by wind speed and direction. Time-domain results from FDTD simulations of static rough sea-surfaces are compared to an established Helmholtz integral equation (HIE) method to establish the validity of the approach. Broadband signals are used as the source waveform. Results demonstrate the anomalous transmission loss and Doppler in received signals. [Work supported by the Office of Naval Research.]