Using energy flux methods to derive a 3D ocean acoustic propagation model

Abstract

The energy flux model is a direct source-to-receiver calculation that avoids the need for finding eigenvalues, but it averages out the modal interference structure as originally derived. It has been shown possible in the two-dimensional model to include the near-neighbor modal interference that resolves large-scale caustic features and shadow zones. So far limited work has been done to develop three-dimensional energy flux models for ocean acoustic propagation, but such a model may have significant computational advantages in complex environments or at high frequencies. We present current progress towards developing three-dimensional underwater acoustic propagation models that have been derived using energy flux principles. In particular we will discuss a vertical normal mode and horizontal energy flux model used to solve for the acoustic propagation in a wedge environment.