In-Situ Determination of Acoustic Average Speed in Underwater Environment

Abstract

In water, sound travels more rapidly and with l mess energy absorption than in air. Thus, it is efficient medium for sound transmission compared to air. This low is developing a wide range of submarine acoustic applications with benefit for navigation. Best known applications are vertically operating echo sounders for depth determination or range finders in the horizontal. While a mean value of 1500 m*s1 for the speed of sound in seawater is sufficient for a couple of operations, scientific applications of ten require higher accuracy. The transmission speed is affected by elasticity and density, which in turn is influenced by pressure, temperature and salinity. Using profiling sensors to measure these parameters it is possible to determine the speed of sound indifferent depths. In this paper, I study the speed problem in underwater. I have presented a method to calculate the average speed in underwater. Mackenzie Theorem is used to determine the average speed of the acoustic signal considering three factors: Temperature, Salinity and Depth. In this study, I have determined the underwater average speed of acoustic signals, which has better benefit than knowing the speed for one point. Triple Integration is used to determine the speed of every point in an area. The simulations and field evaluations show a good estimation of speed positions. Computing coordinates of speed with negligible errors. Sonar (originally an acronym for SOund Navigation And Ranging) is a technique that uses sound propagation (usually underwater, as in submarine navigation) to navigate, communicate with or detect objects on or under the surface of the water, such as other vessels. (SONAR is a technique that uses sound propagation to navigate)