Technical Note: Successful instrument array deployments in soft mud bottoms adjacent to the Mississippi delta

An anchor design for instrument arrays was developed for use in the very soft muddy sediments adjacent to the Mississippi Delta. Because of low sediment shear strengths and high sensitivities combined with large dynamic loadings due to strong currents, problems in successful deployments and recoveries were anticipated. A total of six deployments were attempted; four were sediment trap arrays and two were current meter/transmissometer arrays. All six deployments and recoveries were successful. The array design presented herein is a safe, easy and cost effective method for deploying instrument arrays in areas where soft bottoms and strong currents are a consideration.     

Understanding and Interpretations for Mutual Coupling Within Sonar Arrays

In this paper, understanding and interpretations for mutual coupling within sonar arrays are given. Mathematically, our past mutual-coupling understanding of electromagnetic waves is successfully extended to treat acoustic sonar arrays. Physically, new acoustic-wave interpretations are given in this study. Numerical examples converge very fast and show that our mutual-coupling understanding for sonar arrays is very accurate. Our analyses are not only numerically efficient, but also give physical insights into the detailed coupling mechanisms between elements within a sonar array.      

流体动力干扰对桩柱矩阵阵列波浪力的影响

随着超大型海洋结构物的设计和研究日益受到重视,研究多物体之间的流体动力干扰特性显得十分必要。用波动源在截面周线上分布的方法,就垂直桩柱间三维流体动力干扰对波浪力的影响进行了系统的研究,不仅可得到单行柱列的流体动力干扰力学机理的新特性,而且对多行桩柱阵列的研究也取得了若干新的发现：多行柱柱阵列的遮蔽作用强于单行的;无论是单行还是多行柱列,其流体动力干扰特性存在一个十分敏感的来波频域,在此区域内,力的幅值会大大超过其他频域的受力,而且桩柱阵列与交错阵列的力学特性也有所不同。这对超大型海洋结构物的设计有着重要的指导意义。     

Wave propagation through arrays of unevenly spaced vertical piles

The interaction of regular waves with arrays of bottom-mounted circular cylinders is considered. This subject has been thoroughly investigated in the recent past, but most of the time under the assumption of regular and spatially periodic arrangements. Unlike these authors, we consider here arrays of unevenly spaced cylinders, displaced randomly from a regular array according to a disorder parameter. Focus is put on two effects of this spacing irregularity: reduction of peak forces associated to trapped mode phenomena, and regularization of the transmission coefficient for waves propagating through the arrays.     

On optimal shading for arrays of irregularly-spaced or noncoplanarelements

The majority of optimal shading methods for arrays of irregularly spaced or noncoplanar elements rely on numerical optimizations and iterative techniques to compute the desired weighting function because analytic solutions generally do not exist. Optimality is meant here in the Dolph-Chebyshev sense to provide the narrowest mainlobe width for a given sidelobe level. We present a simple and efficient technique to compute real shading coefficients for nonuniform-line, curved-line, and noncoplanar arrays by resampling the optimal Dolph-Chebyshev window computed for a uniform line or plane array of equivalent aperture at the element position of the irregular array. Computer simulation examples of narrowband plane-wave beamforming with irregular arrays, in which phase compensation is achieved by projecting the elements on a line or plane tangent to the array, show peak sidelobe levels close to those obtainable for optimally shaded uniform arrays of equal aperture sizes and numbers of elements, where the differences depend upon the spacing variations and numbers of elements. This resampling technique is applied to seafloor acoustic backscatter data collected at sea with the 68-kHz Toroidal Volume Search Sonar to highlight a tradeoff between peak and outer sidelobe levels and illustrate the requirement for element pattern when processing data from irregular arrays     

Code-fed omnidirectional arrays

The synthesis of linear and planar arrays of desired omnidirectional intensity patterns is considered. A novel approach that utilizes the relation between the array intensity pattern and the correlation function of the used feeding sequence, or code, is adopted. The basic theory of such code-fed arrays is reviewed, and it is shown that almost omnidirectional patterns result when codes with sharp autocorrelation functions are used as the feeding sequences. Examples of omnidirectional linear and planar arrays fed with Barker codes, Kuttruff-Quadt trial-and-error two-dimensional binary codes, and nonbinary Huffman-type codes are presented. The results have direct application in underwater communication systems, public address systems, and acoustical imaging systems     

Geoacoustic Information Content of Horizontal Line Array Data

This paper examines the effectiveness of horizontal line arrays (HLAs) for matched-field inversion (MFI) by quantifying geoacoustic information content for a variety of experiment and array factors, including array length and number of sensors, source range and bearing, source-frequency content, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Emphasis is on bottom-moored arrays, while towed arrays are also considered, and a comparison with vertical line array (VLA) performance is made. The geoacoustic information content is quantified in terms of marginal posterior probability distributions (PPDs) for model parameters estimated using a fast Gibbs sampler approach to Bayesian inversion. This produces an absolute, quantitative estimate of the geoacoustic parameter uncertainties which can be directly compared for various experiment and array factors.     

A unified approach to array-factor synthesis for line arrays with nonuniformly positioned elements

An approach for the design of line arrays which synthesizes array factors having desired attributes is developed. This approach draws upon, clarifies, and expands earlier developments in nonuniformly positioned line-array design. A new array with important characteristics, called the square-root design, is derived. The approach is also applied to formulation and evaluation of design tradeoff studies. Specific examples are given for exponential and square-root arrays.     

Performance comparison between vertical and horizontal arrays for geoacoustic inversion

Most of the research on model-based geoacoustic inversion techniques has concentrated on data collected using moored vertical receiver arrays. However, there are many advantages to considering geoacoustic inversion using a towed horizontal array. Towed arrays are easily deployed from a moving platform; this mobility makes them well suited for surveying large areas for sea-bed properties. Further, if a model-based geoacoustic inversion scheme uses both a towed source and array, the separation between the two can be kept short, which reduces the requirement for range-dependent modeling. Range-independent modeling is used for inverting all the horizontal array data considered in this paper. Using the Inversion Techniques Workshop Benchmark Test Cases, the performance of a horizontal (simulated towed) and vertical arrays are compared and found to be very similar. However, it will be shown that, for Benchmark Test Case 3, where the bathymetry is flat and a hidden bottom intrusion exists, a towed horizontal array is ideal for determining the range-dependent sea-bed properties. The practical advantages of using a towed array are clear and the purpose of this paper is to show that the performance is similar (and in some cases better) than using moored vertical arrays.     

Design of sparse linear arrays by Monte Carlo importance sampling

The formation of acoustic images in real-time requires an enormous computational burden. To reduce this demand the use of sparse arrays for beamforming is mandated. The design of these arrays for adequate mainlobe width and low sidelobe level is a difficult nonlinear optimization problem. A new approach to the joint optimization of sensor placement and shading weights is discussed. Based on the concept of importance sampling an optimization method is presented and some examples given to illustrate its effectiveness.     

Comparison of methods for computing hydrodynamic characteristics of arrays of wave power devices

A comparison of methods for the calculation of the hydrodynamic characteristics of arrays of wave power devices is presented. In particular, the plane-wave approximation and an exact multiple scattering formulation have been used to compute exciting wave forces, hydrodynamic coefficients and q factors for arrays of interacting wave power devices. The results obtained are compared with each other, and accuracy aspects of the computations are stressed and critically assessed.     

声相关计程仪基阵设计方法

针对声相关计程仪的测速特点,研究了一维、二维基阵的设计方法。一维基阵采用基于约束最小冗余的设计方法,可以获得比均匀线阵大得多的阵列孔径,从而提高基阵的利用率,但约束最小冗余线阵(RMRLA)的设计方法计算量巨大,并不适合二维基阵的设计。在重新定义冗余因子,建立理想位置矢量图模型,提出位置矢量重合率等概念的基础上,实现了适用于声相关测速需求的二维基阵的快速设计。仿真结果证明了该设计方法的可行性。     

Stochastic optimization of linear sparse arrays

In conventional beamforming systems, the use of aperiodic arrays is a powerful way to obtain high resolution employing few elements and avoiding the presence of grating lobes. The optimized design of such arrays is a required task in order to control the side-lobe level and distribution. In this paper, an optimization method aimed at designing aperiodic linear sparse arrays with great flexibility is proposed. Simulated annealing, which is a stochastic optimization methodology, has been utilized to synthesize the positions and the weight coefficients of the elements of a linear array in order to minimize the peak of the sidelobes and to obtain a beam pattern that meets given requirements. An important novelty is the fact that the latter goal can be achieved in parallel to the minimization of both the number of elements and the spatial aperture, resulting in a “global” optimization of the array characteristics. The great freedom that simulated annealing allows in defining the energy function to be minimized is the main reason for the notable versatility and the good results of the proposed method. Such results show an improvement in the array characteristics and performances over those reported in the literature     

Beamforming on seismic interface waves with an array of geophoneson the shallow sea floor

The problem of locating very low frequency sound sources in shallow water is made difficult by the interaction of propagating acoustic waves with the sea floor. Slow wave speeds and the attendant short wavelengths suggest that low frequency beamforming and source localization with sea floor geophones can be accomplished with relatively small arrays when compared with hydrophone arrays in the water column. To test the feasibility of this approach, experiments were carried out in the shallow water of the Malta Channel of the Straits of Sicily where the Scholte wave speed was some 10 to 20 times slower that the speed of sound in water. A linear array of ten vertically gimballed geophones was deployed and measurements were made on propagating seismic wave fields generated by explosive shots. The resulting directivities, beam patterns, and sidelobe characteristics are in excellent agreement with array theory, which suggests that coherent processing is a viable technique on which to base new applications for seismic arrays on the sea floor. Supporting materials on the geophysics of Scholte waves and calculations of the wave field at the site are presented     

Experimental matched-field localization results using a short vertical array and mid-frequency signals in shallow water

Traditionally, matched-field processing (MFP) has been used to localize low-frequency sources (e.g., <300 Hz) from their acoustic signals received on long vertical arrays. However, some sources emit acoustic signals of much higher frequency. Applying MFP to signals in the mid-frequency range (e.g., 1-4 kHz) is a very challenging problem because MFP's sensitivity to environmental parameter mismatch becomes more severe with increasing frequency. Robust MFP techniques are required to process signals in the mid-frequency range. As a practical issue, short vertical arrays are more convenient to work with than are long vertical arrays; they are easier to deploy and are less prone to large amounts of deformation. However, short vertical arrays undersample the water column, which can result in severely degraded MFP performance. In this paper, we present experimental data results for this nonconventional paradigm. Using the environmentally robust broad-band L/sub /spl infin//-norm estimator, MFP results are given using shallow-water experimental data. This data consisted of broad-band signals in the 3-4-kHz band collected on an eight-element 2.13-m vertical array. These results serve to demonstrate that good localization performance can be attained for this difficult problem. Guidelines on the appropriate use of ray and normal-mode propagation models are also presented.     

Synthesis of symmetric flattop radiation patterns

In this communication, the design of ring arrays that produce symmetric flattop radiation patterns with low sidelobes is presented. The equivalent linear array approach is used in the design of the array. A newly developed iterative algorithm is employed to obtain a prototype linear array that generates a desired flattop pattern. A new concept of common scale factor of ring arrays is introduced, which not only adds flexibility to the design, but also reduces the complexity of the array. In the design examples presented, it is shown that an almost flattop pattern with maximum ripple less than 0.075 dB and sidelobe levels less than 28 dB can be achieved using only 10 ring radiators     

Towed-array history, 1917-2003

Towed-array research and development over 86 years is examined from the inventions of Dr. H. C. Hayes during World War I to multiple arrays towed by oil exploration ships in 2003. Time lines of the effort over the years are presented for array applications to military surface ships, submarines, and for oil exploration efforts. Military surface ship towed-array systems from the Hayes electric eel effort to the SQR-14, SURTASS, ETASS, and APL/Johns Hopkins dual towed arrays are reviewed. Submarine towed-array programs from the early 1960s to today are described and a prediction of future towed-array development is presented.     

LOAPEX: The Long-Range Ocean Acoustic Propagation EXperiment

This paper provides an overview of the experimental goals and methods of the Long-range Ocean Acoustic Propagation EXperiment (LOAPEX), which took place in the northeast Pacific Ocean between September 10, 2004 and October 10, 2004. This experiment was designed to address a number of unresolved issues in long-range, deep-water acoustic propagation including the effect of ocean fluctuations such as internal waves on acoustic signal coherence, and the scattering of low-frequency sound, in particular, scattering into the deep acoustic shadow zone. Broadband acoustic transmissions centered near 75 Hz were made from various depths to a pair of vertical hydrophone arrays covering 3500 m of the water column, and to several bottom-mounted horizontal line arrays distributed throughout the northeast Pacific Ocean Basin. Path lengths varied from 50 km to several megameters. Beamformed receptions on the horizontal arrays contained 10–20-ms tidal signals, in agreement with a tidal model. Fifteen consecutive receptions on one of the vertical line arrays with a source range of 3200 km showed the potential for incoherent averaging. Finally, shadow zone receptions were observed on an ocean bottom seismometer at a depth of 5000 m from a source at 3200–250-km range.      

Clear water scour around a finite array of cylinders

This experimental study presents clear-water scour and deposition patterns around hexagonal arrays of circular cylinders in steady flow conditions. Understanding the scour processes around such configurations could facilitate the design of several hydraulic and marine engineering structures, such as bridge piers and piles. The flow alteration caused by the examined porous obstacles depends on the solid volume fraction of the obstacles and on the angle of attack of the incoming flow, due to the limited number of cylinders constituting the array. Flume experiments with erodible bed were carried out for four array densities (solid volume fractions: 0.14, 0.20, 0.32 and 0.56) under three different orientations (regular, angled and staggered configurations). The scour/deposition characteristics were obtained by means of laser scanner and the results were compared to solid cylinders of equal circumambient diameter. Different angles of attack of the incoming flow lead to different blockage ratios, which have direct impact on the scour characteristics and deposition patterns. The arrays with the higher solid volume fraction generated scour/deposition patterns similar to solid cylinder, while in the arrays with the lower solid volume fractions, local scour around the individual small cylinders became evident. Finally, considering that the load bearing capacity of a pier basically depends on the area of its cross-section, a comparison of the maximum induced scour depth and volume by the cylinder arrays and the solid cylinder with equal solid cross-sectional area is presented, in order to introduce an alternative pier configuration that induces less scour. The results showed that the array of cylinders could generate 27% less scour volume and 22% less scour depth compared to its single solid cylinder counterpart.     

Analysis of swath bathymetry sonar accuracy

The practical limitations of many bottom mapping sonars lie in their ability to accurately estimate the angle of arrival. This paper addresses the accuracy of angle estimation when employed to determine the location of an extended target such as the bottom. A Gaussian model is assumed for the bottom backscatter and the corresponding Cramer-Rao lower bound for the variance of the angle estimate is determined for multi-element linear arrays. The paper focuses on determining the performance of high-resolution swath bathymetry sonars and, therefore, concentrates on the ability to determine bottom location with short pulses. Two error mechanisms, footprint shift and uncorrelated noise, are identified as important contributors to measurement errors. The two-element interferometric sonar configuration is investigated in detail. It is shown through the use of probability distributions, the Cramer-Rao bound, and simulation that it is difficult to get a good estimate of performance through simulation alone. Performance enhancement through pre-estimation and post-estimation averaging of multiple snapshots and changes in performance with pulse length and pulse rise time are also considered. Bottom estimation performance employing multi-element arrays is compared and contrasted with that of the two-element interferometric array. It is determined that there is little benefit associated with the multi-element array in terms of angle estimation performance alone. However, when other considerations such as angle ambiguities, multiple angles of arrival, and physical shortcomings associated with practical arrays are taken into account, the multi-element array is favored.