Comparison of three wind noise reduction strategies.

Abstract

Wind noise is a serious adverse factor in acoustic detection/location systems. Three types of wind noise reduction devices have been used in the past: streamlined probes, spherical wind screens, and surface mounted devices. When these systems are used outdoors near the surface of the ground, the largest contribution to the wind noise is the interaction of the device or surface with the atmospheric turbulence. The goal of our research program is to develop theories to relate measured wind and turbulence properties to the measured wind noise so that wind noise reduction methods can be optimized for any particular application. In this paper we will present measurements of wind noise reduction with devices using the three strategies listed and compare the reduction achieved. Advantages and disadvantages in a variety of applications will be discussed based on the theoretical predictions.