Abstract: An acoustic baffle for reflecting sound waves and rejecting background interference noise for use with a hydrophone array. The baffle utilizes a plurality of lenticular resilient elements embedded in a compliant foam elastomer compound. The embedded elements provide control of overall baffle compliance for submarine applications, particularly for high hydrostatic pressure operation. The resilient members are formed from pairs of resilient lenticular shaped elements which are integrally bonded to a highly damped constrained viscoelastic layer to provide uniform noise reduction performance over a broad frequency range. The pairs of elements are joined at their ends by compliant end caps which provide minimum constraint on the motion of the ends, thus limiting bending stresses in the elements.

Abstract: The acoustical energy absorbing baffle has a pair of restricted orifice screens rigidly secured in parallel, spaced relation by a lattice stiffener. The screen-stiffener assembly is immersed in a viscous fluid contained within a tank sealed with an elastic diaphragm. Incident acoustical energy is transmitted through the diaphragm and translated into energy absorbing motion of the fluid through the restrictive screens. A compliant mass is acoustically coupled to the fluid to augment fluid particle velocity through the screens and to further absorb energy.