Accession Number:

AD1029806

Title:

An Investigation of the Performance of a Ribbon and Small Planar Magnetic Transducer, Made for Use in Air, as an Underwater Acoustic Velocity Sensor

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

Naval Postgraduate School Monterey United States

Personal Author(s):

• Kwon,Young W.
• Honorato,Javier

Report Date:

2016-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

161.0

Abstract:

The use of vector sensors in sonar receiving array applications is an area of active investigation by the U.S. Navy. A vector sensor combines the outputs of a monopolar pressure sensor co-located with one or more orthogonal dipolar velocity or, more commonly, pressure-gradient sensors to achieve a modest 56 dB amount of directivity at a single point. The directivity of an array formed using such sensors is also modestly improved by the same amount. More importantly, though, the azimuthal angle ambiguity that occurs in the beam pattern of a line array of point pressure sensors is removed by employing vector sensors instead. This thesis describes an investigation into the underwater use of a pressure-gradient transducer technology that has been employed in airborne acoustic applications for many years mostly as a source, but, to our knowledge, has heretofore never been employed under water. The devices examined include planar-magnetic and true ribbon transducers. The planar-magnetic transducer is very closely related to what was developed first i.e., the true magnetic ribbon transducer. The same as an ordinary magnetic loudspeaker or microphone, both the planar-magnetic and true ribbon transducers employ a mutually orthogonal electrical conductor, magnetic field, and axis of motion of a diaphragm. We present the results of measurements made both in air and water of the transmitting and receiving responses of a planar-magnetic and a true ribbon transducer. We also present a procedure for the free-field reciprocity calibration of a pressure-gradient transducer.

Descriptors:

• electrical impedance
• electronic equipment
• acoustic measurement
• acoustic waves
• doppler effect
• acoustic velocity
• magnetic detectors
• power amplifiers
• pressure transducers
• anechoic chambers
• free field
• long wavelengths
• underwater acoustics
• acoustic detectors

Subject Categories:

• Electrical and Electronic Equipment
• Acoustic Detection and Detectors

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE