An ocean medium pulse propagation model based on linear systems theory and the WKB approximation

Abstract

A general, modular, pulse propagation model for underwater acoustics that is based on linear systems theory for sound-speed profiles as a function of depth is presented. The development and computer implementation of the model, together with results from preliminary computer simulation studies involving the transmission of CW and LFM pulses from a planar array of complex weighted point sources is reported. The studies examined free-space propagation problems (i.e., no boundaries) in homogeneous and inhomogeneous media using a transfer function of the ocean medium based on the WKB approximation. The two main outputs from the model are the predicted complex acoustic field as a function of frequency and spatial location and the time-domain output electrical signal from each element in a receive planar array.