Resonator Array Panel

Abstract

The resonator array panel includes a perforated first sheet, a second sheet, and a resonator core. The perforated first sheet includes a first sheet body. The second sheet includes a second sheet body. The second sheet body includes a second outer surface and a second inner surface. The first resonator core is disposed between the perforated first sheet and the second sheet. The first resonator core includes a first plurality of sidewalls. The first plurality of sidewalls form a first plurality of resonators between the perforated first sheet and the second sheet. The first plurality of resonators includes a first resonator. The first resonator includes a first viscoelastic body disposed within a first resonator cavity.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 088,280, filed December 23, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an acoustic sensor test assembly, and more particularly to a resonator panel for a test assembly liquid tank. [Background technology]

[0003] Sensors, such as acoustic sensors, may be developed and tested for liquid (e.g., water) environments using test assemblies that include a liquid tank. These test assemblies may experience varying degrees of acoustic wave transmission and reflection during sensor testing. Various test assemblies are known in the art. While these known test assemblies have various advantages, there is still room for improvement in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It should be understood that any or all of the features or embodiments described herein can be used or combined in any combination with any other feature or embodiment described herein, unless stated otherwise.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a resonator array panel includes a perforated first sheet, a second sheet, and a resonator core. The perforated first sheet includes a first sheet body. The first sheet body includes a first outer surface and a first inner surface. The first sheet body forms a first plurality of neck portions. Each neck portion of the first plurality of neck portions surrounds and forms a first opening extending through the first sheet body from at least the first outer surface to the first inner surface. The second sheet includes a second sheet body. The second sheet body includes a second outer surface and a second inner surface. The first resonator core is disposed between the perforated first sheet and the second sheet. The first resonator core includes a first plurality of sidewalls. Each first sidewall extends between and to the first inner surface and the second inner surface. The first plurality of sidewalls form a first plurality of resonators between the perforated first sheet and the second sheet. The first plurality of resonators includes a first resonator. The first resonator forms a first resonator cavity along a centerline of the resonator. The first resonator cavity is in fluid communication with the first opening of at least a first neck portion of the first plurality of neck portions. The first resonator includes a first viscoelastic body disposed within the first resonator cavity.

[0006] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the first neck portion can extend between and into the first neck end and the second neck end, which can be disposed within the first resonator cavity and axially spaced from the first inner surface.

[0007] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the first neck end may be axially spaced from the first outer surface.

[0008] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the first opening formed by the first neck portion may have a first opening volume, and all of the first opening volume may be configured to be filled with liquid.

[0009] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the first viscoelastic body may comprise a syntactic foam.

[0010] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the first resonator cavity may have a first cavity volume, the first viscoelastic body may have a first body volume, and the first cavity volume may be greater than the first body volume.

[0011] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the first viscoelastic body may be movable within the first resonator cavity.

[0012] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the first plurality of resonators may include a second resonator. The second resonator may form a second resonator cavity. The second resonator cavity may be in fluid communication with the first opening of at least a second neck portion of the plurality of neck portions. The second resonator may include a second viscoelastic body disposed within the second resonator cavity. The second resonator may be different from the first resonator.

[0013] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the first resonator cavity may have a first cavity volume, and the second resonator cavity may have a second cavity volume, and the first cavity volume may be different from the second cavity volume.

[0014] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the opening formed by the first neck portion may have a first opening volume, and the opening formed by the second neck portion may have a second opening volume, and the first opening volume may be different from the second opening volume.

[0015] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the first viscoelastic body may have a first body volume, and the second viscoelastic body may have a second body volume, and the first body volume may be different from the second body volume.

[0016] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the first resonator may be connected to a second adjacent resonator by at least one opening formed by a common sidewall of the first plurality of sidewalls.

[0017] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the resonator array panel may further include a perforated third sheet and a second resonator core. The perforated third sheet may include a third sheet body. The third sheet body may include a third outer surface and a third inner surface. The third sheet body may form a third plurality of neck portions. Each neck portion of the third plurality of neck portions may extend through the third sheet body from at least the third outer surface to the third inner surface, forming a third opening. The second resonator core may be disposed between the perforated first sheet and the perforated third sheet. The second resonator core may include a second plurality of sidewalls. Each second sidewall may extend between and to the first outer surface and the third inner surface. The second plurality of sidewalls may form a second plurality of resonators between the perforated first sheet and the perforated third sheet. The second plurality of resonators may include a second resonator. The second resonator may form a second resonator cavity along a centerline of the resonator. The second resonator cavity may be in fluid communication with a third opening of at least a third neck portion of the third plurality of neck portions. The second resonator cavity may further be in fluid communication with the first resonator cavity. The second resonator may include a second viscoelastic body disposed within the second resonator cavity.

[0018] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, each resonator of the second plurality of resonators may have the same configuration as each other resonator of the second plurality of resonators.

[0019] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the first resonator and the second resonator are configured to allow liquid to flow from outside the resonator array panel through the second resonator cavity into the first resonator.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a test assembly includes a tank, an acoustic sensor, and at least one resonator array panel. The tank includes one or more tank walls. The one or more tank walls are configured to store a liquid within the tank. The acoustic sensor is disposed within the tank. The acoustic sensor is configured to record acoustic signals propagating through the liquid. The at least one resonator array panel is disposed on the one or more tank walls. The at least one resonator array panel includes a perforated first sheet, a second sheet, and a resonator core. The perforated first sheet includes a first sheet body. The first sheet body includes a first outer surface and a first inner surface. The first sheet body forms a plurality of neck portions. Each neck portion of the plurality of neck portions surrounds and forms an opening extending through the first sheet body from at least the first outer surface to the first inner surface. The second sheet includes a second sheet body. The second sheet body includes a second outer surface and a second inner surface. The resonator core is disposed between a first perforated sheet and a second perforated sheet. The resonator core includes a plurality of sidewalls. Each sidewall extends between and leads to a first inner surface and a second inner surface. The sidewalls form a plurality of resonators between the first perforated sheet and the second perforated sheet. Each resonator forms a resonator cavity in fluid communication with an opening of at least one of the neck portions. Each resonator includes a filler body disposed within a respective resonator cavity.

[0021] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the opening formed by the neck portion may have an opening volume, and all of the opening volume may be configured to be filled with liquid.

[0022] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, each resonator of the plurality of resonators may be different from each other resonator of the plurality of resonators.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a resonator array panel includes a plurality of stacked resonator array panel stages. Each resonator array panel stage includes a perforated sheet and a resonator core. The perforated sheet includes a sheet body. The sheet body includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The sheet body forms a plurality of neck portions. Each neck portion of the plurality of neck portions surrounds and forms an opening extending through the sheet body from at least the outer surface to the inner surface. The resonator core is disposed on the perforated sheet. The resonator core includes a plurality of sidewalls. Each sidewall contacts the inner surface. The plurality of sidewalls form a plurality of resonators. Each resonator forms a resonator cavity. Each resonator cavity is in fluid communication with the opening of at least one of the plurality of neck portions. The plurality of stacked resonator array panel stages include a first resonator array panel stage and a second resonator array panel stage. The plurality of resonators of the first resonator array panel stage include a first resonator. The plurality of resonators of the second resonator array panel stage includes a second resonator. The first resonator and the second resonator are arranged about a common resonator centerline. The first resonator is connected in fluid communication with the second resonator. Each of the first resonator and the second resonator includes a filler body.

[0024] In any of the aspects or embodiments described above and herein, the filler body of the first resonator may be different from the filler body of the second resonator.

[0025] The present disclosure, and all aspects, embodiments, and advantages associated therewith, will become more readily apparent from consideration of the detailed description provided below, including the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 shows a diagram of a test assembly including at least one resonator array panel in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B show perspective and cutaway views of a resonator array panel according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a side cutaway view of a resonator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 10 illustrates a side cutaway view of another resonator assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 10 illustrates a side cutaway view of another resonator assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 graphically illustrates acoustic wave absorption characteristics for different resonator configurations, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10 illustrates a side cutaway view of a portion of another resonator assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10 graphically illustrates acoustic wave absorption characteristics of resonators of a resonator array panel in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 illustrates a side cutaway view of another resonator assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present disclosure is directed to resonator array panels and test assemblies including at least one of the disclosed resonator array panels. The present disclosure finds particular utility when implemented with test assemblies for testing and development of underwater acoustic sensors or other acoustic equipment. However, the disclosed resonator array panels are not limited to any particular application.

[0028] Acoustic testing of sensors or other equipment within a fluid (e.g., water or another liquid) tank may, at least in some cases, be limited by acoustic reflections from the tank walls. For relatively high-frequency acoustic signals, a sufficient number of wave cycles of the acoustic signal may be recorded by the acoustic sensor before reflections of the acoustic signal begin to occur. However, for relatively low-frequency acoustic signals, the number of wave cycles recorded for the acoustic signal may be insufficient to meet the testing requirements of the sensor or other equipment.

[0029] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary test assembly 20. The test assembly 20 of FIG. 1 includes a fluid tank 22 that stores a fluid 24 (e.g., water or another liquid) and a plurality of resonator array panels 26. The test assembly 20 may further include an acoustic source 27, one or more sensors 28, and / or a target 29. However, this disclosure is not limited to any particular configuration of the test assembly 20 or to the particular locations of the components of the test assembly 20 illustrated in FIG. 1. The fluid tank 22 includes one or more tank walls 30. The tank walls 30 form one or more inner surfaces 32 of the fluid tank 22, which bound the fluid 24 stored within the fluid tank 22. The resonator array panel 26 of FIG. 1 is positioned on (e.g., closely adjacent to, adjacent to, or adjacent to) the inner surfaces 32. For example, the resonator array panel 26 may be attached to the inner surfaces 32 using a suitable attachment configuration (e.g., mechanical fasteners, adhesive, etc.). While the test assembly 20 in FIG. 1 includes three resonator array panels 26, the test assembly 20 may alternatively include more or fewer resonator array panels 26. The sound source 27 may be configured as an acoustic transmitter that generates an acoustic signal for transmission through the fluid 24. Alternatively, the sound source 27 may be an assembly, component, or other object that may incidentally generate an acoustic signal. The sensor 28 may be an acoustic sensor. The sensor 28 may be configured as a transducer to record an acoustic signal propagating through the fluid 24, for example, by converting acoustic wave vibrations into an electrical signal. For example, the sensor 28 may record an acoustic signal generated or otherwise produced by the sound source 27. During some testing processes, a target 29 may be placed within the fluid tank 22. The target 29 may be a component or other object that is the subject of acoustic testing using the test assembly 20. For example, the sound source 27 may generate an acoustic signal that may be reflected and / or absorbed by the target 29. Sensor 28 can record acoustic signals propagating through fluid 24 to identify acoustic properties of target 29 (eg, acoustic reflection, sound absorption, etc.).

[0030] 2 shows a perspective cutaway view of an embodiment of a resonator array panel 26. The resonator array panel 26 of FIG. 2 includes a perforated first sheet 34, a second sheet 36, and a resonator core 38.

[0031] The first sheet 34 includes a sheet body 40. The sheet body 40 includes an outer surface 42 and an inner surface 44 disposed opposite the outer surface 42. As will be described in further detail, the sheet body 40 includes a plurality of neck portions 46. Each neck portion 46 defines an opening 48 extending through the sheet body 40. For example, each opening 48 extends through the sheet body 40 from at least the outer surface 42 to the inner surface 44.

[0032] The second sheet 36 includes a sheet body 50. The sheet body 50 includes an outer surface 52 and an inner surface 54 disposed opposite the outer surface 52. The second sheet 36 may be non-perforated, although the present disclosure is not limited to a non-perforated configuration of the second sheet 36.

[0033] The resonator core 38 includes a plurality of sidewalls 56. The plurality of sidewalls 56 extend between and lead to a first sidewall end 58 of the plurality of sidewalls 56 and a second sidewall end 60 of the plurality of sidewalls 56. The plurality of sidewalls 56 extend between and lead to a first sheet 34 and a second sheet 36. The first sidewall end 58 is disposed (e.g., closely adjacent, adjacent to, or proximate to) the first sheet 34 (e.g., inner surface 44). For example, the first sidewall end 58 may be fixedly attached to the inner surface 44. The second sidewall end 60 is disposed (e.g., closely adjacent, adjacent to, or proximate to) the second sheet 36 (e.g., inner surface 54). For example, the second sidewall end 60 may be fixedly attached to the inner surface 54.

[0034] The multiple sidewalls 56 form multiple separate resonators 62 between the first sheet 34 and the second sheet 36. Each resonator 62 forms a resonator cavity 64. Each resonator cavity 64 is further defined by the inner surface 44 and the inner surface 54. Each resonator cavity 64 is in fluid communication (e.g., directly fluidly coupled) with the opening 48 of at least one neck portion 46. While the resonators 62 in FIG. 2 are shown having a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular shape of the resonators 62. For example, the resonators 62 may alternatively be configured with cross-sectional shapes including, but not limited to, circular or rectangular (e.g., square). In some embodiments, one or more resonators 62 may be connected in fluid communication with one or more adjacent resonators 62, for example, by perforations or other openings formed through the sidewalls 56 between adjacent resonator cavities 64 (e.g., a common sidewall shared by adjacent resonators). FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary sidewall perforations 65 for fluidly connecting adjacent resonator cavities 64. For the resonator array panel 26 of FIG. 2, each resonator cavity 64 may be understood to be in fluid communication with one respective opening 48. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this particular configuration, and each resonator cavity 64 may be in fluid communication with multiple openings 48 formed by respective neck portions 46. Furthermore, the openings 48 formed by the sheet body 40 (e.g., neck portions 46) are not limited to any particular size, shape, or density (e.g., openings 48 for a given region of the sheet body 40). The configuration of the resonators 62 provides absorption and / or attenuation of acoustic wave energy near the resonator array panel 26, thereby mitigating the effects of acoustic wave reflections from the tank wall 30 (see FIG. 1) during testing and / or development of a sensor (e.g., sensor 28).

[0035] The first sheet 34, the second sheet 36, and the resonator core 38 may be formed of a lightweight and / or inexpensive material that is sufficiently rigid and suitable for prolonged exposure to the environment of the fluid 24 for the test assembly 20 (see FIG. 1 ), for example. Examples of suitable materials for the first sheet 34, the second sheet 36, and / or the resonator core 38 may include, but are not limited to, a plastic material such as a thermoplastic polymer material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), etc.), or a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic matrix composite. The first sheet 34, the second sheet 36, and / or the resonator core 38 may be manufactured together (e.g., as a single integral unit) or may be manufactured separately and then assembled together (e.g., using adhesives, thermoplastic hardeners or curing techniques, mechanical fasteners, etc.). The first sheet 34, the second sheet 36, and / or the resonator core 38 may be manufactured using, for example, injection molding or additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing) processes. However, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular material, combination of materials, or manufacturing process for the components of the resonator array panel 26, including the first sheet 34, the second sheet 36, and the resonator core 38. While the first sheet 34 and the second sheet 36 in FIG. 2 are shown as having a substantially flat (e.g., planar) orientation, the components of the resonator array panel 26 may instead have a curved, angled, or otherwise non-planar configuration to accommodate the shape of the particular tank wall(s) 30 (see FIG. 1). On this particular tank wall(s) 30, a resonator array panel 26 may be disposed.

[0036] 3-5 show side cutaway views of different resonator 62 embodiments. The resonators 62 of FIGS. 3-5 are arranged around a resonator centerline 66. The resonator cavity 64 has a cavity length L1 and a cavity diameter D1. The cavity length L1 extends (e.g., axially) between and to the inner surfaces 44 and 54 that form the resonator cavity 64. The cavity diameter D1 extends (e.g., radially) between opposing sidewalls 56 or opposing portions of the sidewalls 56 that form the resonator cavity 64. The resonator cavity 64 should be understood to have a cavity volume defined by and within the first sheet 34 (e.g., inner surface 44), the second sheet 36 (e.g., inner surface 54), and the sidewalls 56 for each resonator 62. Each resonator 62 may be understood to include neck portion(s) 46 aligned with the particular resonator 62. Each resonator 62 may further include a filler body 68 disposed within the resonator cavity 64, as shown in Figures 3-5, for example. However, the resonators 62 of the present disclosure are not limited to including a filler body 68.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the neck portion 46 extends (e.g., axially) between and to a first neck end 70 of the neck portion 46 and a second neck end 72 of the neck portion 46. The first neck end 70 may be disposed (e.g., closely adjacent, adjacent to, or proximate to) the outer surface 42, as shown in FIG. 4, for example. In other words, the first neck end 70 may be spaced outward (e.g., axially outward) from the outer surface 42, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, for example. Alternatively, the first neck end 70 may be spaced axially from the outer surface 42. The second neck end 72 may be disposed (e.g., closely adjacent, adjacent to, or proximate to) the inner surface 44, as shown (see, e.g., FIG. 6). Alternatively, the second neck end 72 may be disposed inward (e.g., axially inward) from the inner surface 44, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. In other words, the second neck end 72 can be axially spaced from the inner surface 44. The neck portion 46 has a neck length L2 extending (e.g., axially) between and leading to the first neck end 70 and the second neck end 72. The neck portion 46 has a neck diameter D2 extending (e.g., radially) between and leading to opposing portions of the neck portion 46. The neck length L2 and the neck diameter D2 can define an opening volume of an opening 48 formed by the neck portion 46. The opening 48 is configured to be filled with a fluid (e.g., water or another liquid). For example, the resonator 62 is configured to allow the opening volume (e.g., the entire opening volume) of the opening 48 to be filled with the fluid 24 (e.g., water or another liquid) of the test assembly 20 (see FIG. 1 ), allowing the fluid 24 to flow into and through the opening 48 from outside the resonator 62.

[0038] The filler body 68 can be disposed within the resonator cavity 64 to tailor the acoustic absorption and / or acoustic attenuation characteristics of the resonator 62 for a particular acoustic frequency or range of acoustic frequencies. The filler body 68 includes a first end 74, a second end 76, and an exterior 78. The exterior 78 extends between and to the first end 74 and the second end 76. The filler body 68 has a body length L3, a body diameter D3, and a body volume. The body length L3 extends between and to the first end 74 and the second end 76 (e.g., axially). The body diameter D3 extends between and to opposing portions of the exterior 78 (e.g., radially). The body volume of the filler body 68 can be the same as or substantially the same as the cavity volume of the resonator cavity 64, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 4 . In other words, the filler body 68 may fill (e.g., completely fill) the resonator cavity 64 and may contact the inner surface, the inner surface, and the sidewall 56. Thus, the filler body 68 may be fixed or substantially fixed relative to the first sheet 34, the second sheet 36, and / or the sidewall 56. As can be seen from FIGS. 3-5 , the filler body 68 may generally not be present (e.g., not disposed) within the opening 48 to allow a fluid (e.g., fluid 24) to fill the opening 48. The body volume of the filler body 68 may alternatively be less than the cavity volume of the resonator cavity 64, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 . For example, the body length L3 may be less than the cavity length L1. Further, for example, the body diameter D3 may additionally or alternatively be less than the cavity diameter D1. The filler body 68 may be loosely fitted within the resonator cavity 64 such that the filler body 68 is movable within the resonator cavity 64. This configuration of the filler body 68 may allow the fluid 24 to reside and flow between the filler body 68 and the inner surface 44, the inner surface 54, and / or the sidewall 56.

[0039] The filler body 68 includes a body material. The body material may form all or a substantial portion of the filler body 68. Examples of body materials include, but are not limited to, viscoelastic materials such as rubber or syntactic foam. Syntactic foam body materials may include composite materials formed by filling a syntactic foam matrix, such as a metal, polymer, epoxy resin, or ceramic matrix material, with a plurality of hollow spheres (e.g., "microballoons") or cenospheres. The microballoons may be formed from glass, polymer, ceramic material, or other lightweight materials suitable for sound attenuation. The body material may be permeable or impermeable to the fluid 24. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular material or combination of materials for the body material, so long as the body material can be used to further tailor the sound absorption and / or sound attenuation properties of the resonator 62 for a particular acoustic frequency or range of acoustic frequencies.

[0040] Tuning the resonator 62 to absorb and / or attenuate a particular acoustic frequency or a particular range of acoustic frequencies can be achieved based on a selected configuration of one or more features of the resonator 62, such as, for example, but not limited to, the size of the neck portion 46 (e.g., neck length L2, neck diameter D2, or sum of neck diameters D2), the cavity volume of the resonator cavity 64, the material selection for the filler body 68, the fluid connection of the resonator 62 to adjacent resonators 62, and the body volume of the sidewall 56 and / or filler body 68 (e.g., the ratio of the body volume to the cavity volume of the resonator cavity 64). Routine experimentation can be performed by one skilled in the art to tune the attenuation and / or absorption characteristics of the resonator in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure and information obtained thereby. Comparing the exemplary resonators 62 of FIGS. 3-4 , for example, the resonator 62 of FIG. 4 has a shorter neck length L2, a longer neck diameter D2, and a smaller cavity volume compared to the resonator 62 of FIG. 3 . The configuration of the resonator 62 of FIG. 4 may be preferable for absorbing and / or attenuating relatively high acoustic wave frequencies and may be preferable for absorbing and / or attenuating relatively low acoustic wave frequencies, compared to the configuration of the resonator 62 of FIG.

[0041] As previously explained, the body volume of the filler body 68 may also be selected to tune the associated resonator 62 to a frequency range of sound absorption. FIG. 6 graphically illustrates acoustic wavelength absorption characteristics representing three different exemplary resonators 62, including a first resonator 62A, a second resonator 62B, and a third resonator 62C, used in a test assembly having syntactic foam as the body material and water as the test assembly fluid. The first resonator 62A has a ratio of the body volume of the filler body 68 to the cavity volume of the resonator cavity 64 (hereinafter referred to as the "body ratio X") of approximately 1.00. SF The second resonator 62B has a body ratio X of about 0.75. SF The third resonator 62C has a body ratio X of about 0.50. SF The resonator 62 has a body ratio X SF As decreases (e.g., body ratio X SF from about 1.00), resonator 62 exhibits a shift in the absorption frequency range to higher frequencies.

[0042] 7 shows a side cutaway view of an embodiment of a resonator array panel 26 positioned (e.g., closely adjacent to, adjacent to, or adjacent to) the tank wall 30. The resonator array panel 26 of FIG. 7 includes a plurality of different resonators 62. Each resonator 62 may be configured differently, for example, by the size of the neck portion 46 (e.g., neck length L2, neck diameter D2; see FIGS. 3-5), the cavity volume of the resonator cavity 64, the material selection for the filler body 68, and / or the body volume of the filler body 68 (e.g., body ratio X SF ) may be different from one or more other resonators 62 of the plurality of different resonators 62 (see FIGS. 3-5). The use of multiple different resonators 62 in the resonator array panel 26 may facilitate the absorption and / or attenuation of acoustic wave energy over a wide range of target frequencies.

[0043] By way of example, Figure 8 illustrates a graph of sound absorption characteristics representative of an exemplary resonator array panel 26 including 16 resonators 62 (resonators 62A-62P). Figure 8 shows the relative absorption magnitudes of the resonators 62A-P over a range of acoustic wave frequencies. Figure 8 also illustrates a composite absorption characteristic 80 for the entire resonator array panel 26.

[0044] FIG. 9 shows a side cutaway view of another embodiment of a resonator array panel 26 positioned (e.g., closely adjacent, adjacent to, or close to) the tank wall 30. The resonator array panel 26 of FIG. 9 includes multiple stacked resonator array stages 82, including a first resonator array stage 82A, a second resonator array stage 82B, and a third resonator array stage 82C. However, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular number of resonator array stages. The first resonator array stage 82A may be configured similarly to the resonator array panel 26 embodiments described above and may include a perforated first sheet 34, a second sheet 36, and a resonator core 38. Subsequent resonator array stages 82, such as the second resonator array stage 82B and the third resonator array stage 82C, may each include another perforated first sheet 34 and another sheet of resonator cores 38.

[0045] For example, the resonator core 38 of the second resonator array stage 82B is disposed in connection with the first sheet 34 (e.g., outer surface 42) of the first resonator array stage 82A and the first sheet 34 (e.g., inner surface 44) of the second resonator array stage 82B. The sidewalls 56 of the resonator core 38 of the second resonator array stage 82B form the resonators 62 for the second resonator array stage 82B. Each resonator 62 of the second resonator array stage 82B may be connected in fluid communication with a respective resonator 62 of the first resonator array stage 82A. One or more of the resonators 62 of the second resonator array stage 82B may each include a filler body 68, which may be configured to allow the fluid 24 to flow in and out of the respective resonator 62 of the first resonator array stage 82A. For example, the first resonators 62 of the first resonator array stage 82A and the second resonators 62 of the second resonator array stage 82B may be arranged about a common resonator centerline 66. The first resonators 62 may be configured to have different dimensions, such as, for example, the size of the neck portion 46 (e.g., neck length L2, neck diameter D2; see FIGS. 3-5), the cavity volume of the resonator cavity 64, the material selection for the filler body 68, and / or the body volume of the filler body 68 (e.g., body ratio X SF ) may be different from the second resonator 62 (see FIGS. 3-5). Alternatively, the first resonator 62 and the second resonator 62 may be identical or substantially identical. As shown in FIG. 9, each resonator 62 of the second resonator array stage 82B may be identical or substantially identical (e.g., have the same configuration) to each resonator 62 of the other second resonator array stage 82B. Alternatively, one or more resonators 62 of the second resonator array stage 82B may be different from one or more other resonators 62 of the second resonator array stage 82B. The description of the second resonator array stage 82B may also be applicable to subsequent resonator array stages, such as, but not limited to, the third resonator array stage 82C.

[0046] While the principles of the present disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatus and methods, it should be clearly understood that this description is made by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Specific details are provided in the above description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without the specific details.

[0047] It should be noted that the embodiments may be described as a process, which is depicted as a flowchart, flow diagram, block diagram, etc. While any one of these structures may describe operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may occur in parallel or concurrently. The order of operations may also be rearranged. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc.

[0048] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" refer to one or more unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "comprising a pecimen" includes single or multiple specimens and is considered equivalent to the phrase "comprising at least one specimen." The term "or" refers to any single element of the listed alternative elements or a combination of two or more elements, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, "comprises" means "includes." Thus, "comprising A or B" means "including A or B, or A and B," without excluding additional elements.

[0049] It should be noted that the foregoing description and drawings (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) show various connections between elements. It should be noted that these connections are general and, unless otherwise specified, may be direct or indirect connections, and that the specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected, etc. may include permanent, detachable, temporary, partial, complete, and / or any other possible attachment options.

[0050] Furthermore, no element, component, or method step of the present disclosure is intended to be publicly disclosed regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is expressly recited in a claim. No claim element herein is to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for." As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; thus, a process, method, product, or apparatus that includes a list of elements may include not only those elements, but also other elements not expressly recited or that are specific to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0051] While various inventive aspects, concepts, and features of the present disclosure may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts, and features may be used individually or in various combinations and subcombinations in many alternative embodiments. Unless expressly excluded herein, all such combinations and subcombinations are intended to be within the scope of the present application. Furthermore, although various alternative embodiments of various aspects, concepts, and features of the present disclosure, such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices, and components, may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether currently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art will readily be able to adopt one or more of the aspects, concepts, or features of the present disclosure into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present application, even if such embodiments are not explicitly described herein. For example, in the exemplary embodiments described above in the Detailed Description section of the present specification, elements may be described as individual units and shown as independent of each other for ease of description. In alternative embodiments, such elements may be configured as combined elements.

Claims

1. 1. A resonator array panel comprising: a perforated first sheet comprising a first sheet body, the first sheet body including a first outer surface and a first inner surface, the first sheet body forming a first plurality of neck portions, each neck portion of the first plurality of neck portions surrounding and forming a first opening extending through the first sheet body from at least the first outer surface to the first inner surface; a second sheet including a second sheet body, the second sheet body including a second outer surface and a second inner surface; a first resonator core disposed between the perforated first sheet and the second sheet, the first resonator core including a first plurality of sidewalls, each first sidewall extending between and to the first inner surface and the second inner surface, the first plurality of sidewalls forming a first plurality of resonators between the perforated first sheet and the second sheet, the first plurality of resonators including a first resonator, the first resonator forming a first resonator cavity along a resonator centerline, the first resonator cavity in fluid communication with the first opening of at least a first neck portion of the first plurality of neck portions, the first resonator including a first viscoelastic body disposed within the first resonator cavity; A resonator array panel comprising:

2. 2. The resonator array panel of claim 1, wherein the first neck portion extends between and leads to a first neck end and a second neck end, the second neck end being disposed within the first resonator cavity and axially spaced from the first inner surface.

3. The resonator array panel of claim 2 , wherein the first neck end is axially spaced from the first outer surface.

4. 2. The resonator array panel of claim 1, wherein the first opening defined by the first neck portion has a first open volume, and wherein the first open volume is configured to be entirely filled with a liquid.

5. The resonator array panel of claim 1 , wherein the first viscoelastic material comprises a syntactic foam.

6. 2. The resonator array panel of claim 1, wherein the first resonator cavity has a first cavity volume, the first viscoelastic body has a first body volume, and the first cavity volume is greater than the first body volume.

7. The resonator array panel of claim 6 , wherein the first viscoelastic body is movable within the first resonator cavity.

8. the first plurality of resonators includes a second resonator, the second resonator forming a second resonator cavity, the second resonator cavity in fluid communication with the first opening of at least a second neck portion of the plurality of neck portions, the second resonator including a second viscoelastic body disposed within the second resonator cavity; The resonator array panel of claim 1 , wherein the second resonators are different from the first resonators.

9. 9. The resonator array panel of claim 8, wherein the first resonator cavity has a first cavity volume and the second resonator cavity has a second cavity volume, the first cavity volume being different from the second cavity volume.

10. 9. The resonator array panel of claim 8, wherein the opening formed by the first neck portion has a first opening volume and the opening formed by the second neck portion has a second opening volume, the first opening volume being different from the second opening volume.

11. 9. The resonator array panel of claim 8, wherein the first viscoelastic body has a first body volume, the second viscoelastic body has a second body volume, and the first body volume is different from the second body volume.

12. 10. The resonator array panel of claim 1, wherein the first resonator is connected in fluid communication with a second adjacent resonator by at least one opening formed by a common sidewall of the first plurality of sidewalls.

13. a perforated third sheet comprising a third sheet body, the third sheet body including a third outer surface and a third inner surface, the third sheet body forming a third plurality of neck portions, each neck portion of the third plurality of neck portions surrounding and forming a third opening extending through the third sheet body from at least the third outer surface to the third inner surface; 10. The resonator array panel of claim 1, further comprising: a second resonator core disposed between the perforated first sheet and the perforated third sheet, the second resonator core including a second plurality of sidewalls, each second sidewall extending between and leading to the first outer surface and the third inner surface, the second plurality of sidewalls forming a second plurality of resonators between the perforated first sheet and the perforated third sheet, the second plurality of resonators including second resonators forming a second resonator cavity along a centerline of the resonator, the second resonator cavity in fluid communication with the third opening of at least a third neck portion of the third plurality of neck portions, the second resonator cavity further in fluid communication with the first resonator cavity, the second resonator including a second viscoelastic body disposed within the second resonator cavity.

14. 14. The resonator array panel of claim 13, wherein each resonator of the second plurality of resonators has the same configuration as each other resonator of the second plurality of resonators.

15. 14. The resonator array panel of claim 13, wherein the first resonators and the second resonators are configured to allow liquid to flow from outside the resonator array panel, through the second resonator cavity, and into the first resonator cavity.

16. 1. A test assembly comprising: a tank including one or more tank walls configured to store a liquid within the tank; and an acoustic sensor disposed within the tank, the acoustic sensor configured to record an acoustic signal propagating through the liquid; at least one resonator array panel disposed on the one or more tank walls, a perforated first sheet comprising a first sheet body, the first sheet body including a first outer surface and a first inner surface, the first sheet body forming a first plurality of neck portions, each neck portion of the first plurality of neck portions surrounding and forming an opening extending through the first sheet body from at least the first outer surface to the first inner surface; a second sheet including a second sheet body, the second sheet body including a second outer surface and a second inner surface; a resonator core disposed between the perforated first sheet and the second sheet, the resonator core including a plurality of sidewalls, each sidewall extending between and to the first inner surface and the second inner surface, the plurality of sidewalls forming a plurality of resonators between the perforated first sheet and the second sheet, each resonator forming a resonator cavity in fluid communication with the opening of at least one neck portion of the plurality of neck portions, each resonator including a filler body disposed within a respective resonator cavity. the at least one resonator array panel.

17. 17. The test assembly of claim 16, wherein the opening formed by each neck portion has an open volume, and all of the open volumes are configured to be filled with the liquid.

18. 17. The test assembly of claim 16, wherein each resonator of the plurality of resonators is different from each other resonator of the plurality of resonators.

19. 1. A resonator array panel comprising: a plurality of stacked resonator array panel stages, each resonator array panel stage comprising: a first perforated sheet including a sheet body having an outer surface and an inner surface, the sheet body forming a plurality of neck portions, each neck portion of the plurality of neck portions surrounding and forming an opening extending through the sheet body from at least the outer surface to the inner surface; a resonator core disposed on the perforated sheet, the resonator core including a plurality of sidewalls, each sidewall contacting the inner surface, the plurality of sidewalls forming a plurality of resonators, each resonator forming a resonator cavity, each resonator cavity in fluid communication with the opening of at least one neck portion of the plurality of neck portions; the resonator array panel, wherein the plurality of stacked resonator array panel stages include a first resonator array panel stage and a second resonator array panel stage, the plurality of resonators of the first resonator array panel stage include a first resonator, the plurality of resonators of the second resonator array panel stage include a second resonator, the first resonator and the second resonator are arranged around a common resonator centerline, the first resonator is connected in fluid communication with the second resonator, and each of the first resonator and the second resonator includes a filler body.

20. 20. The resonator array panel of claim 19, wherein the filler body of the first resonator is different from the filler body of the second resonator.

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