HYPER: A hybrid parabolic equation‐ray model for underwater sound propagation in the vicinity of smooth caustics

Abstract

The hybrid parabolic equation‐ray model (HYPER) uses modified ray tracing of geometrical acoustics to locate important propagation paths. Then HYPER solves a modified parabolic equation in a small region near the rays to compute the pressure field. This paper applies the HYPER model to investigate acoustic propagation in the vicinity of smooth caustics. Results are compared with ordinary ray theory, modified ray theory, and the wave solution for a range‐independent case. Some range‐dependent examples are also presented. [Funding for this work was provided by the AEAS Program Office, ONR Detachment, Code 132.]