Study on the effect of acoustic scattering on the performance of close-packed array elements

Abstract

Abstract Currently, with the continuous advancement of underwater robotic systems and technologies, the associated acoustic payloads are required to develop towards miniaturization and multifunctional integration. In the design and application of acoustic systems, the effects of acoustic scattering and the resulting performance degradation cannot be ignored. To address this issue, this paper constructs a finite element model of densely packed array elements’ acoustic scattering in a dual circular ring array design using finite element software. Based on the model simulations of sound waves at different frequencies, the disturbance of the array elements’ acoustic scattering on the received sound field is discussed. Further analysis is conducted on the mutual scattering effects between array elements and their impact on the performance of individual hydrophones. The simulation results show that within the frequency range of 1-100 kHz, there is significant scattering between small-sized array elements, with the scattered sound pressure level increasing linearly with frequency. Under given array parameters, the change in hydrophone reception performance is mainly due to the scattering effects of array elements in the normal direction of the hydrophone, and is related to the incident direction of the sound wave.