Barrel-Stave Flextensional Transducers for Sonar Applications

Abstract

Abstract Barrel-stave flextensional transducers are low frequency underwater projectors that can be used as active components in long-range sonar systems or as versatile sound sources in oceanographic applications. The advantages offered by this type of flextensional transducer include low frequency, high power, small size, low weight, post-assembly frequency tuning, and low cost due to simplicity in its design and assembly. The construction of three barrel-stave projectors, investigated at the Defence Research Establishment Atlantic (DREA) in recent years, is briefly described. The performance goals for each of these projectors are shown to be consistent with the criteria that distinguish the first three classes in the Brigham-Royster classification scheme for flextensional transducers. Important in-water performance parameters, such as the resonance frequencies, transmitting voltage responses, source levels, mechanical quality factors, and electroacoustic efficiencies, are presented. In addition, these parameters are compared to those of other experimental and commercial barrel-stave flextensional designs.