Structural acoustic noise modeling of a supercavitating high-speed vehicle using statistical energy analysis

Abstract

The simulation of propagation of structureborne vibratory and acoustic energy within a supercavitating high-speed underwater vehicle is studied herein. The supercavitating vehicle is rocket propelled and rides entirely within a cavity in order to reduce drag and allow for higher underwater speeds. A ventilation system exists within the vehicle to ensure the cavity completely encloses the vehicle. With the exception of isolated control surfaces, the only wetted portion of the vehicle is the cavitating sonar array at the vehicle nose. This paper focuses on the use of statistical energy analysis (SEA) to quantify and parametrize the high-frequency transmission of vibro-acoustic energy within the complex, multiply connected marine vehicle, as well as including contributions from the reverberant cavity and seawater acoustic paths. Additionally, an examination of the many potential noise sources is made, including a discussion on handling the effects of surface backscattering and volume reverberation within an SEA framework. Numerical case studies are performed to exercise the model in order to predict the effects of specific design modifications such as structural design variations, isolation mounting scenarios, etc.