Comparative study: Flow-induced noise on underwater acoustic pressure, particle velocity, and intensity sensors

Abstract

A neutrally buoyant underwater acoustic p-u intensity probe contains discrete sensors for direct measurement of acoustic pressure and particle velocity [J. A. McConnell and G. C. Lauchle, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 103, 2755(A) (1998)]. Intensity is calculated from the cross spectrum between these two quantities. Thus a single probe can be categorized as a compound sensor capable of independently measuring acoustic pressure, particle velocity, and intensity. Using this probe, a comparative study concerning the measurement of all three quantities in the presence of mean flow and an independent sound source was performed. Bias errors, which result from the flow-induced noise generated by towing the sensor (e.g., a cylindrical body) in cross flow at low speeds through a channel of water, are presented. Other parameters of interest include analysis of experimental pressure–pressure and pressure–velocity correlation functions. The effect of body geometry (e.g., variation in aspect ratio) on the measured bias errors and correlation functions is also presented. [Work supported by the Office of Naval Research, the Naval Submarine League, and the Acoustics Technology Branch of the Naval Air Warfare Center—Aircraft Division, via the DoD Small Business Innovation Research Program.]