Scattering of pulse signals from fluid-filled elastic shells

Abstract

The study of the sound scattering from fluid-filled elastic shells has shown a formation of the complicated return structures when scattering from such objects takes place. Preliminary work has suggested that the apparent complicated structure may be resolved in terms of a superposition of standing waves at the interface. Indeed, now, when a new acoustic background has been developed, the coherent vibrational effects may be resolved into patterns that are likely connected with the curved surface analog of Sholte waves on flat plates that are fluid loaded on both sides. Theoretical partial wave studies suggest this, but in order to ‘‘see’’ it in experiment, one must resort to pulse studies and gating methods. This hypothesis is tested by simulating experimental data and employing signal-processing techniques to determine if the effect can be observed in real experiments. [Work sponsored by ONR, the Naval Research Laboratory, and the University of New Orleans.]