THE MODELING OF UNDERWATER, ELECTROACOUSTIC, SONAR TRANSDUCERS

This paper describes the mathematical modelling methods that are used in the design of sonar transducers for underwater applications and how they are interrelated. It is intended to be partly tutorial in nature and partly review. Emphasis is placed on discussing 'equivalent circu it methods and numerical techniques, such as the finite element (FE) a nd boundary element (BE) methods, because these are used by the majori ty of transducer designers. Two approaches to the development of equiv alent circuits are presented: a two- or three-port network view of the transducer and a phenomenological approach in which each component is modelled separately. Both impedance and mobility models are presented . The FE and BE methods are outlined and the coupling between them in the presence of fluid loading is described.