The subject of underwater acoustic modeling deals with the
translation of our physical understanding of sound in the sea into
mathematical formulas solvable by computers. This book divides the
subject of underwater acoustic modeling into three fundamental
aspects: the physical principles used to formulate underwater
acoustic models; the mathematical techniques used to translate
these principles into computer models; and modeling applications in
sonar technology and oceanographic research.
The material presented here emphasizes aspects of the ocean as an acoustic medium. It shows
mathematicians and physical scientists how to use this information to model the behavior of sound in a spatially complex and temporally variable ocean. This approach diminishes the need for discussions of engineering issues such as transducers, arrays and targets. Aspects of hardware design and modeling in underwater acoustics are discussed in other excellent texts.
Recent developments in underwater acoustic modeling have been influenced by changes in global geopolitics. These changes are evidenced by strategic shifts in military priorities as well as by efforts to transfer defense technologies to non-defense applications.
The strategic shift in emphasis from deep-water to shallow-water naval operations has focused attention on improving sonar performance in coastal regions. These near-shore regions, which are sometimes referred to as the littoral zone, are characterized by complicated and highly variable acoustic environments. Such difficult environments challenge the abilities of those sonar models intended for use in deep-water scenarios.
This situation has prompted further development of underwater acoustic models suitable for forecasting and analyzing sonar performance in shallow-water areas.
The policy of defense conversion has encouraged the transfer of sonar modeling technology to nondefense applications. Much of this transfer has benefited the growing field of environmental acoustics, which seeks to expand exploration of the oceans through acoustic sensing. Such technology conversion is exemplified by the utilization of naval underwater acousic models as both prognostic and diagnostic tools in sophisticated experiments employing inverse acoustic sensing of the oceans.
These rapid developments in modeling have created a need for a second edition. The intent is to update
recent advances in underwater acoustic modeling and to emphasize new applications in oceanographic research. This edition also reflects a broader inteational interest in the development and application of underwater acoustic models. The coming years promise to be challenging in terms of defining research directions, whether for defense or industry, and this edition should provide technology planners with a useful baseline.
The original organization of material into eleven chapters has served well and therefore remains
unchanged. When required, new material has been arranged into additional subsections.
Comments from users of the first edition have evidenced appeal from acousticians, as well as
oceanographers, who have enthusiastically endorsed this book as both a practical tool and an instructional aid. In this latter regard, several academic institutions have utilized this book as an adjunct text for graduatelevel courses in applied mathematics and ocean sciences.
This edition has benefited from a continuation of my short courses which, since 1993, have been offered through the Applied Technology Institute of Clarksville, Maryland (USA). Continued exposure to the insightful questions posed by my students has provided me with the opportunity to further refine my presentation.
Despite the appearance of several new books in the field of ocean acoustics, this book remains unique in its treatment and coverage of underwater acoustic modeling. It is a pleasure to note that the first edition has been recognized as an authoritative compendium of state-of-the-art models and is often cited as the standard reference.
Paul C.Etter
Rockville, Maryland
The material presented here emphasizes aspects of the ocean as an acoustic medium. It shows
mathematicians and physical scientists how to use this information to model the behavior of sound in a spatially complex and temporally variable ocean. This approach diminishes the need for discussions of engineering issues such as transducers, arrays and targets. Aspects of hardware design and modeling in underwater acoustics are discussed in other excellent texts.
Recent developments in underwater acoustic modeling have been influenced by changes in global geopolitics. These changes are evidenced by strategic shifts in military priorities as well as by efforts to transfer defense technologies to non-defense applications.
The strategic shift in emphasis from deep-water to shallow-water naval operations has focused attention on improving sonar performance in coastal regions. These near-shore regions, which are sometimes referred to as the littoral zone, are characterized by complicated and highly variable acoustic environments. Such difficult environments challenge the abilities of those sonar models intended for use in deep-water scenarios.
This situation has prompted further development of underwater acoustic models suitable for forecasting and analyzing sonar performance in shallow-water areas.
The policy of defense conversion has encouraged the transfer of sonar modeling technology to nondefense applications. Much of this transfer has benefited the growing field of environmental acoustics, which seeks to expand exploration of the oceans through acoustic sensing. Such technology conversion is exemplified by the utilization of naval underwater acousic models as both prognostic and diagnostic tools in sophisticated experiments employing inverse acoustic sensing of the oceans.
These rapid developments in modeling have created a need for a second edition. The intent is to update
recent advances in underwater acoustic modeling and to emphasize new applications in oceanographic research. This edition also reflects a broader inteational interest in the development and application of underwater acoustic models. The coming years promise to be challenging in terms of defining research directions, whether for defense or industry, and this edition should provide technology planners with a useful baseline.
The original organization of material into eleven chapters has served well and therefore remains
unchanged. When required, new material has been arranged into additional subsections.
Comments from users of the first edition have evidenced appeal from acousticians, as well as
oceanographers, who have enthusiastically endorsed this book as both a practical tool and an instructional aid. In this latter regard, several academic institutions have utilized this book as an adjunct text for graduatelevel courses in applied mathematics and ocean sciences.
This edition has benefited from a continuation of my short courses which, since 1993, have been offered through the Applied Technology Institute of Clarksville, Maryland (USA). Continued exposure to the insightful questions posed by my students has provided me with the opportunity to further refine my presentation.
Despite the appearance of several new books in the field of ocean acoustics, this book remains unique in its treatment and coverage of underwater acoustic modeling. It is a pleasure to note that the first edition has been recognized as an authoritative compendium of state-of-the-art models and is often cited as the standard reference.
Paul C.Etter
Rockville, Maryland