Abstract: A system and method for predicting passive, high-frequency sonar array performance at any underwater location, implemented as a software package running on a computer. An operator selects an arbitrary geographical location, specifies a sonar array and defines a target. The necessary bathymetry, and associated oceanographic, environmental and meteorological data are automatically acquired or generated, along with appropriate models for ocean surface and bottom reflectivity, and vertical noise directionality. A Comprehensive Acoustic System Simulation (CASS) software module performs appropriate ray tracing, which is used to produce Cross-Spectral Density (CSD) matrices for the target and the anisotropic ambient noise. These are used to generate graphic and numeric representations of the array's performance at the selected location. A time of year may also be specified and the appropriate anisotropic noise field for conditions expected at that location at that time of year will be generated.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting active, low-frequency sonar array performance in shallow, littoral waters using a physics-based modeling of acoustic reverberation. An operator characterizes the active sonar's acoustic transmitter and receiver, the environment it is operating in and the targets to be detected. The operator selects appropriate bathymetry, bottom composition and sound-speed profile. The spatial resolution of the bathymetry database is enhanced using fractal interpolation and a bottom-loss-and-scattering corrected-for-slope is calculated. A semi-empirical scattering strength is derived from a wind-speed data base and a stochastic biologic realization is derived from a biologic population database. These are then used to calculate a deterministic component of bottom, surface and volume reverberation using a normal mode mathematical model of acoustic wave propagation.