A 3D simulator for the design and evaluation of sonar system instrumentation

This work describes the operational features of a software code that is des igned to simulate the practical behaviour of modem high-frequency sonar sys tems. Versatility and flexibility is enhanced by a modular structure that i ncludes simulation of the transducer and front-end electronics, wave propag ation, target synthesis and scattering. The functional theory behind each m odule is described and a selection of results relating to the operation of an existing commercial sonar system are presented. Although the current cod e has been developed as a tool for the design evaluation of sophisticated s onar array systems, it may also be employed in other ultrasonic imaging app lications, such as microscopy and non-destructive evaluation.