Bi-static sonar applications of intensity processing.

Abstract

Acoustic intensity processing of signals from directional sonobuoy acoustic subsystems is used to enhance the detection of submerged bodies in bi-static sonar applications. In some directions, the scattered signals may be completely dominated by the incident blast from the source, depending upon the geometry, making the object undetectable by traditional pressure measurements. Previous theoretical derivations suggest that acoustic vector intensity sensors, and the associated intensity processing, are a potential solution to this problem. Deep water experiments conducted at Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho are described. A large, hollow cylindrical body is located between a source and a number of SSQ-53D sonobuoys positioned from 5 to 30 body lengths away from the scattering body. Measurements show changes in the acoustic pressure of less than 0.5 dB when the scattering body is inserted in the field. However, the phase of the acoustic intensity component formed between the acoustic pressure and particle velocity component orthogonal to the direction of incident wave propagation varies by as much as 55 degrees. This metric is shown to be a repeatable and strong indicator of the presence of the scattering body.