Parabolic Reflector for Compact Underwater Acoustic Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods face challenges in testing the acoustic characteristics of large underwater targets and large-size array transducers indoors due to the requirement for a far-field distance that is often impractical in indoor settings, especially when the target is not completely rigid and the wavelength is short.
Innovation Solution
An underwater acoustic test system comprising an underwater acoustic transmitting unit, a parabolic reflector, a receiving unit, an orientation control system, and a computer measurement and control system, which generates and processes acoustic waves to create a compact-field condition, allowing for the testing of acoustic scattering and directivity at significantly reduced distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the far-field condition is applied to test large underwater targets, then the test accuracy is improved, but the test distance becomes too long to be implemented in indoor pools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the spherical acoustic waves from the transmitting transducer into plane acoustic waves by reflecting them off a parabolic reflector. This parameter transformation of the acoustic wave field allows the far-field test conditions to be achieved at much shorter distances, resolving the contradiction between test accuracy and test distance in indoor pool environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a parabolic reflector as an intermediary component between the transmitting transducer and the target. This reflector acts as a mediator that converts spherical waves into plane waves, enabling far-field testing conditions without requiring the traditionally long test distances
2Length of moving object
If the target size is reduced for scaling test, then the test distance requirement is reduced, but the test is only valid for completely or nearly completely rigid materials
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the target size, the patent changes the acoustic wave field parameters by using a parabolic reflector to transform spherical waves into plane waves. This allows testing of full-size targets with various material properties (rigid, flexible, composite) at reduced distances, making the method universally applicable to different target types
3Measurement precision
If the transmitting frequency is increased for scaling test, then the acoustic scattering characteristics can be preserved, but the wavelength becomes shorter requiring even longer test distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial distribution parameter of the acoustic wave field using a parabolic reflector to convert spherical waves into plane waves. This parameter transformation eliminates the need for frequency scaling and allows testing at various frequencies without the test distance increasing, resolving the contradiction between maintaining acoustic scattering characteristics and managing test distance
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
This system enables the testing of large underwater targets and array transducers in a short distance, reducing the far-field test distance by tens or hundreds of times, while also decreasing construction costs and increasing testing efficiency, stability, and frequency band, allowing for broader target size ranges.
Implementation Method 1
the central main reflecting area is configured for reflecting acoustic wave signals
Implementation Method 2
the transmitting transducer is configured for transmitting acoustic wave signals converted from the electric acoustic wave signals generated by the underwater acoustic signal generator
Implementation Method 3
the receiving transducer is configured for receiving and converting scattered acoustic wave signals into electric acoustic wave signals
Data Source
AI summary
The underwater acoustic test system comprises an underwater acoustic transmitting unit, an underwater acoustic parabolic reflector, an underwater acoustic receiving unit, an orientation control system, and a computer measurement and control system. The underwater acoustic transmitting unit comprises an underwater acoustic signal generator and a transmitting transducer. The underwater acoustic parabolic reflector comprises a central main reflecting area and an edge diffraction processing area, wherein the central main reflecting area is configured for reflecting acoustic wave signals, and the edge diffraction processing area is configured for reducing the influence of the underwater acoustic parabolic reflector on a test area. The underwater acoustic receiving unit comprises a receiving transducer and an underwater acoustic signal receiver. The orientation control system comprises a traveling crane and a test turntable.