Abstract
This paper realizes an underwater spiral wave sound source by using three omni-directional spherical transducers with three different phases. The pressure distribution of the sound field for a phased array is derived using the superposition theory of sound field. The generation of spiral wave field is presented, the relationship between the performance of phased array sound field and the array parameters is analyzed, and also verified by the finite element method (FEM). A spiral wave sound source with three spherical piezoelectric ceramic transducers is then designed and fabricated based on FEM simulation, and the performance of the sound source is analyzed. Measurements are made in a reverberation pool, and the result shows that the fabricated spiral wave sound source is capable of producing a spiral sound wave. Under a frequency of 3.5 kHz, the phase directivity has a fluctuation of ±21°, and the amplitude directivity range is 4.3 dB, which verifies the realization of the spiral wave sound source.
Highlights
As radio-based navigation is not available in deep seas, underwater acoustic navigation becomes significantly important, especially for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)
According to the finite element simulation analysis, we conclude that the spiral wave sound source based on phased array with three transducers can emit the spiral sound wave where the phase continuously varies with the azimuth, such that when the azimuth varies by 360◦, the phase of the sound field varies by 360◦
A prototype of the spiral wave sound source based on phased array with three transducers was measured the phase difference ∆φ between the output signals of two hydrophones in different designed and fabricated according to the finite element simulation results
Summary
As radio-based navigation is not available in deep seas, underwater acoustic navigation becomes significantly important, especially for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The first method includes, the “Physical Spiral” transducer proposed by Dzikowicz and Hefner [3,4,5] This transducer uses 1–3 piezocomposite material formed around a spiral-shaped backing to emit the spiral wave. The second method includes, the “Phase Spiral” transducer, proposed by Dzikowicz and Hefner [4,5], the Cylindrical Transducer with divided electrodes proposed by Brown [6,7,8], and the Spiral Sound Transducer Based on Longitudinal Vibration Structure proposed by Wei Lu [9]. To emit spiral sound waves by an array, it requires a large number of oscillators that. To emit spiral sound waves by an array, it requires a large number of oscillators that vibrate with different phases. Based on the finite element simulation, a spiral wave sound source based on phased array with three spherical piezoelectric ceramic transducers is designed.
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