The application of acoustic standards to sound sources and the subsequent levels in the ocean

Abstract

The American National Standards on Acoustics are applied to common sound sources used in both acoustics research and in naval sonar systems operation. Metrics are quantified for both continuous and transient sources of sound. The standard definitions are reviewed with theoretical sound source models and applied to examples of energy sources of sound such as transients from a small omni explosive, an air gun, a light bulb, and a dolphin. A qualitative model of a typical surface ship sonar system is discussed and active sonar transmissions are analyzed with the requisite quantitative metrics required to characterize these emissions. The relative role of peak pressure, time spread, intensity, and energy flux is discussed for deep- and shallow-water environments. These results should be useful in environmental assessments, biological experiments, and in the system design.