Acoustic Waveguide Simulator Using Parabolic Equation Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shallow water environments introduce variability in acoustic wave propagation due to inhomogeneous conditions, such as refracted and reflected signals from sea surfaces and internal waves, affecting array processing and source localization in underwater settings.
Innovation Solution
A method and simulator for simulating the acoustic field of an acoustic waveguide by generating a sound speed profile and applying it to a parabolic equation model, accounting for regions of different acoustic indices within the waveguide, to determine interference patterns and refracted signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional acoustic propagation models are used in shallow water environments, then computational simplicity is maintained, but modeling accuracy deteriorates due to inability to capture refraction and interference effects from internal waves and fluid boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the acoustic propagation problem by changing the mathematical parameters and coordinate system used in modeling. It employs a parabolic equation model with range-dependent parameters to accurately capture refraction and interference effects from internal waves and fluid boundaries, while maintaining computational efficiency through appropriate parameterization of the sound speed profile and boundary conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate computational framework that bridges simplified models and full-wave solutions. By using a parabolic equation approximation with carefully selected boundary conditions and sound speed profiles, it captures complex physical phenomena (refraction, interference) without requiring computationally intensive full-wave solutions, thus serving as an intermediary approach
2Measurement precision
If acoustic signals are transmitted through shallow water with internal waves, then source localization capability is improved, but signal reliability deteriorates due to refraction and interference from fluid boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-characterizing the acoustic environment through sound speed profiles and boundary conditions before signal transmission. The model incorporates known or measured properties of internal waves and fluid boundaries in advance, allowing the system to predict and compensate for refraction and interference effects that will occur during actual signal propagation, thereby improving both localization accuracy and signal reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by using the simulated acoustic field information to refine source localization estimates and environmental parameter characterization. The model incorporates iterative refinement where localization results and environmental measurements feed back into updated sound speed profiles and boundary conditions, improving the accuracy and reliability of subsequent signal transmissions and localization attempts
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate modeling and detection of fluid boundaries and structures, like oil patches, through interference patterns, improving source localization and medium studies in shallow water environments.
Implementation Method 1
apply the sound speed profile and predetermined parameters of a sound source and a receiver to a parabolic equation (PE) model of sound propagation in the acoustic waveguide
Implementation Method 2
The acoustic field includes an interference pattern from interference between an acoustic signal of the acoustic source and at least one signal refracted by the region of the second fluid
Implementation Method 3
The acoustic field includes an interference pattern from interference between an acoustic signal of the acoustic source and at least one signal refracted by the region of the second fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Simulators and methods for simulating an acoustic field of an acoustic waveguide are provided. A sound speed profile of the acoustic waveguide is generated, where the acoustic waveguide has a region of a first fluid within a second fluid, and the first fluid has a different acoustic index of refraction than the second fluid. The sound speed profile and predetermined parameters of a sound source and a receiver are applied to a parabolic equation (PE) model of sound propagation in the acoustic waveguide. The acoustic field of the acoustic waveguide is determined from the PE model. The acoustic field includes an interference pattern from interference between an acoustic signal of the acoustic source and at least one signal refracted by the region of the second fluid.