Underwater acoustic communication channel simulation using parabolic equation

Abstract

High frequency acoustic communication (8–50 kHz) has attracted much attention recently. At these high frequencies, vaHigh frequency acoustic communication (8–50 kHz) has attracted much attention recently. At these high frequencies, various physical processes, including surface waves, subsurface bubbles, and ocean volume fluctuations, can significantly affect the communication channel. While there is an on-going work, however, the research community is still lacking adequate numerical models that can provide realistic representations of both deterministic and stochastic channel properties in the dynamic ocean. Advancements in underwater acoustic communication technologies mainly rely on at-sea experiments, which are very costly. Our studies show that it is possible to simulate realistic communication channels through parabolic equation (PE) modeling. The Monterey-Miami PE model with an evolving sea surface has been used to generate time-varying impulse responses. Data from our recent experiments are used to evaluate the model in predicting acoustic communication performance. [Work supported by ONR Code 322OA.]