Design of optimum sonar transducer arrays using goal programming

Abstract

The design of acoustic antenna arrays often involves the satisfication of multiple, conflicting design specifications. The use of conventional mathematical programming techniques in this endeavor have been inhibited by their inability to consider these multiple objectives within their design formulations. Most present techniques formulate the design problem in terms of a single objective subject to a set of design constraints which become difficult, if not impossible, to solve if these constraints are conflicting in nature. Goal Programming is an effective alternative methodology. Array pattern synthesis through Goal Programming provides the optimal solution to the multiple criteria design of various classes of acoustic antenna arrays. The design problems are formulated in terms of the multiple objectives expressed by the system response functions and the desired characteristics of the design parameters. The solution of two reasonably complex planar array designs is presented. The details of their formulation and solution provide an indication of the ability of this approach to resolve even more complex array design problems. [Work supported by Naval Sea Systems Command Code 0342.]