Thin, lightweight, low frequency acoustic projectors for shallow water environments

摘要

Miniature flextensional transducers, called cymbals, have been incorporated into thin, lightweight, arge area panels for sue as low requency acoustic projectors in shallow water. The prototpye panels, measuring 100-mm by 100-mm by 6.35-mm thick exhibit a high acoustic output at a relatively low in-water resonance frequency. Furthermore a second resonance frequency that is over an order of magnitude higher suggests that the panel may be used to provide sound output over almost a two decade frequency band. The mass of the unpotted panel is less than 150 grams and the total inckness is 6.35 mm. The cymbal panels are believed to be exceelent candidates as acoustic projectors on autonomous and/or ummanned underwater vehicle platforms as well as other shallow water platforms where low frequency, light wwight and high acoustic output are desired.