Acoustic source localization in anisotropic plates

The conventional triangulation technique cannot locate the acoustic source in an anisotropic plate because this technique requires the wave speed to be independent of the propagation direction which is not the case for an anisotropic plate. All methods proposed so far for source localization in anisotropic plates require either the knowledge of the direction dependent velocity profile or a dense array of sensors. In this paper for the first time a technique is proposed to locate the acoustic source in large anisotropic plates with the help of only six sensors without knowing the direction dependent velocity profile in the plate. Experimental results show that the proposed technique works for both isotropic and anisotropic structures. For isotropic plates the required number of sensors can be reduced from 6 to 4.     

An improved algorithm for detecting point of impact in anisotropic inhomogeneous plates

Conventional triangulation techniques fail to correctly predict the acoustic source location in anisotropic plates due to the direction dependent nature of the elastic wave speeds. To overcome this problem, Kundu et al. [1] proposed an alternative method for acoustic source prediction based on optimizing an objective function. They defined an objective function that uses the time of flight information of the acoustic waves to the passive transducers attached to the plate and the wave propagation direction (θ) from the source point to the receiving sensors. Some weaknesses of the original algorithm proposed in Ref. [1] were later overcome by developing a modified objective function [2]. A new objective function is introduced here to further simplify the optimization procedure and improve the computational efficiency. A new algorithm for source location is also introduced here to increase the source location accuracy. The performance of the objective function and source location algorithm were experimentally verified on a homogeneous anisotropic plate and a non-homogeneous anisotropic plate with a doubler patch. Results from these experiments indicate that the new objective function and source location algorithm have improved performance when compared with those discussed in Refs. [1] and [2].     

Multiple-array passive acoustic source localization in urban environments

In many situations of interest, obstacles to acoustic wave propagation such as terrain or buildings exist that provide unique challenges to localization. These obstacles introduce multiple propagation paths, reflections, and diffraction into the propagation. In this paper, matched field processing is proposed as an effective method of acoustic localization in a two dimensional scattering environment. Numerical techniques can be used to model complex propagation in a space where analytical solutions are not feasible. Realistically, there is always some uncertainty in model parameters that in turn can adversely affect localization ability. In particular, uncertainty in array location, sound speed, and various parameters affecting inter-array coherence only are investigated. A spatially distributed, multiarray network is shown to mitigate the effects of uncertainty. Multiarray inverse filter processing techniques are evaluated through perturbation of uncertain model parameters. These techniques are more accurate and flexible to implement than other matched field processing methods such as time reversal.     

A practical technique for quantifying the performance of acoustic emission systems on plate-like structures

A model for quantifying the performance of acoustic emission (AE) systems on plate-like structures is presented. Employing a linear transfer function approach the model is applicable to both isotropic and anisotropic materials.The model requires several inputs including source waveforms, phase velocity and attenuation. It is recognised that these variables may not be readily available, thus efficient measurement techniques are presented for obtaining phase velocity and attenuation in a form that can be exploited directly in the model. Inspired by previously documented methods, the application of these techniques is examined and some important implications for propagation characterisation in plates are discussed. Example measurements are made on isotropic and anisotropic plates and, where possible, comparisons with numerical solutions are made.By inputting experimentally obtained data into the model, quantitative system metrics are examined for different threshold values and sensor locations. By producing plots describing areas of hit success and source location error, the ability to measure the performance of different AE system configurations is demonstrated. This quantitative approach will help to place AE testing on a more solid foundation, underpinning its use in industrial AE applications.     

随钻单极子声波测井模式优化及远探测

针对非均匀性地层地质力学评价和地质导向钻井的需要,研究了随钻单极子声波的方位特性和反射声场特征,并研制了随钻声波测量装置.建立了不同方向速度模型井和反射声场模型,数值模拟了两个模型的单极子声波传播特征,使用单极子声源发射和偏极子接收器接收的测量模式,分别获得了波速周向变化图和反射波的方位特征.模拟结果表明,纵波对地层方...     

Improving accuracy of acoustic source localization in anisotropic plates

The acoustic source localization technique for anisotropic plates proposed by the authors in an earlier publication ([1] Kundu et al., 2012) is improved in this paper by adopting some modifications. The improvements are experimentally verified on anisotropic flat and curved composite plates. Difficulties associated with the original technique were first investigated before making any modification. It was noted that the accuracy of this technique depends strongly on the accuracy of the measured time difference of arrivals (TDOA) at different receiving sensors placed in close proximity in a sensor cluster. The sensor cluster is needed to obtain the direction of the acoustic source without knowing the material properties of the plate. Two modifications are proposed to obtain the accurate TDOA. The first one is to replace the recorded full time histories by only their initial parts – the first dip and peak – for the subsequent signal processing. The second modification is to place the sensors in the sensor cluster as close as possible. It is shown that the predictions are improved significantly with these modifications. These modifications are then applied to another sensor cluster based technique called the beamforming technique, to see if similar improvements are achieved for that technique also with these modifications.     

The array invariant

A method is derived for instantaneous source-range estimation in a horizontally stratified ocean waveguide from passive beam-time intensity data obtained after conventional plane-wave beamforming of acoustic array measurements. The method has advantages over existing source localization methods, such as matched field processing or the waveguide invariant. First, no knowledge of the environment is required except that the received field should not be dominated by purely waterborne propagation. Second, range can be estimated in real time with little computational effort beyond plane-wave beamforming. Third, array gain is fully exploited. The method is applied to data from the Main Acoustic Clutter Experiment of 2003 for source ranges between 1 to 8 km, where it is shown that simple, accurate, and computationally efficient source range estimates can be made.     

Near-field beamforming analysis for acoustic emission source localization

This paper attempts to introduce a near-field acoustic emission (AE) beamforming method to estimate the AE source locations by using a small array of sensors closely placed in a local region. The propagation characteristics of AE signals are investigated based on guided wave theory to discuss the feasibility of using beamforming techniques in AE signal processing. To validate the effectiveness of the AE beamforming method, a series of pencil lead break tests at various regions of a thin steel plate are conducted. The potential of this method for engineering applications are explored through rotor-stator rubbing tests. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively determine the region where rubbing occurs. It is expected that the work of this paper may provide a helpful analysis tool for near-field AE source localization.     

分布式矢量传感器对宽带源被动定位的方法研究

本文给出了两种基于矢量传感器的被动定位方法。一般来说，对目标进行被动定位可以通过方位信息或时延信息来实现。单个矢量传感器就可以实现目标方位估计，而对多个矢量传感器接收的信号进行互相关运算即可得到目标对各矢量传感器的时延信息。本文先给出了利用方位信息进行被动定位的方法，然后给出了利用分布式矢量传感器进行方位一时延信息联合被动定位的新方法，并通过仿真分析对这两种方法的定位性能进行了比较。     

Acoustic partial discharge localization methodology in power transformers employing the quantum genetic algorithm

Partial discharge (PD) is one of staple reasons resulting in the deterioration of insulation system in power transformers and power faults. If the PD activity can be located at an early stage, preventive maintenance measures can be taken effectively. Therefore, the localization techniques of the PD do play an extraordinarily momentous role to enhance the operating reliability and stability of the system. It is proposed that a methodology based on the quantum genetic algorithm (QGA) adopting acoustic emission (AE) techniques for locating PD in power transformers. Results of the calculating example confirm the localization effectiveness and accurateness of the proposed method are ideal and satisfactory, and that precision of localization is enhanced compared to some other localization algorithms. The acoustic localization methodology based on the QGA is feasible and of suitability for the field applications.     

Combined surface-focused acoustic microscopy in transmission and scanning ultrasonic holography

Employment of ultrasound techniques in nondestructive testing may require identification of the acoustic modes contributing to imaging. Such identification can be achieved, with some restrictions, by time-of-flight analysis. Another approach is acoustic holography that reveals the propagation properties of any selected mode. In anisotropic media, the propagation features are distinct and allow for a reliable classification of the selected mode. Both techniques were applied for classification of bonded, disbonded, and weakly bonded areas in directly bonded semiconductor wafers.     

基于压缩感知的矢量阵聚焦定位方法

本文针对噪声源近场定位识别问题,利用声源分布在空间域具有稀疏性,在压缩感知理论框架下建立了新体系下的矢量阵聚焦波束形成方法,用于解决同频相干声源的定位识别问题.新方法可在小快拍下准确获得噪声源的空间位置,且不损失对噪声源贡献相对大小的评价能力.通过详细的理论推导、仿真分析和试验验证,证明了基于压缩感知的矢量阵聚焦定位新方法本质上实现了l1范数正则化求解下的波形恢复和空间谱估计,因此具有较高的定位精度,较强的相干声源分辨能力、准确的声源贡献相对大小评价能力以及较高的背景压制能力,可应用于水下复杂噪声源的定位识别.     

Localization of distinct reflections in rooms using spherical microphone array eigenbeam processing

This paper presents an experimental and comparative study of several spherical microphone array eigenbeam (EB) processing techniques for localization of early reflections in room acoustic environments, which is a relevant research topic in both audio signal processing and room acoustics. This paper focuses on steered beamformer-based and subspace-based localization techniques implemented in the spherical EB domain, including the plane-wave decomposition, eigenbeam delay and sum, eigenbeam minimum variance distortionless response, eigenbeam multiple signal classification (EB-MUSIC), and eigenbeam estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques (EB-ESPRIT) methods. The directions of arrival of the original sound source and the associated reflection signals in acoustic environments are estimated from acoustic maps of the rooms, which are obtained using a spherical microphone array. The EB-domain-based frequency smoothing and white noise gain control techniques are derived and employed to improve the performance and robustness of reflection localization. The applicability of the presented methods in practice is confirmed by experiments carried out in real rooms.     

Acoustic emission localization in complex dissipative anisotropic structures using a one-channel reciprocal time reversal method

This paper presents an imaging method for the localization of the impact point in complex anisotropic structures with diffuse field conditions, using only one passive transducer. The proposed technique is based on the reciprocal time reversal approach (inverse filtering) applied to a number of waveforms stored into a database containing the experimental Green's function of the structure. Unlike most acoustic emission monitoring systems, the present method exploits the benefits of multiple scattering, mode conversion, and boundaries reflections to achieve the focusing of the source with high resolution. Compared to a standard time reversal approach, the optimal refocusing of the back propagated wave field at the impact point is accomplished through a "virtual" imaging process. The robustness of the inverse filtering technique is experimentally demonstrated on a dissipative stiffened composite panel and the source position can be retrieved with a high level of accuracy in any position of the structure. Its very simple configuration and minimal processing requirements make this method a valid alternative to the conventional imaging Structural Health Monitoring systems for the acoustic emission source localization.     

High-speed observation of acoustic cavitation erosion in multibubble systems

Cleaning and erosion of objects by ultrasound in liquids are caused by the action of acoustic cavitation bubbles. Experiments have been performed with respect to the erosive effect of multibubble structures on painted glass surfaces and on aluminium foils in an ultrasonic standing wave field at 40 kHz. High-speed imaging techniques have been employed to investigate the mechanisms at work, in particular bubble interaction and cluster formation near and at the object surfaces. It was found that different prototype bubble structures can contribute to the erosion process. Some are bound to the surface, which seems to act as a bubble source in this case, while others also exist independently from the object. Cleaning and erosion effects at the pressure antinodes can vary strongly as they depend on the emerging bubble structures. These, in turn, seem to be substantially influenced by properties and the history of the surface.     

Three-dimensional localization of sperm whales using a single hydrophone

A three-dimensional localization method for tracking sperm whales with as few as one sensor is demonstrated. Based on ray-trace acoustic propagation modeling, the technique exploits multipath arrival information from recorded sperm whale clicks and can account for waveguide propagation physics like interaction with range-dependent bathymetry and ray refraction. It also does not require ray identification (i.e., direct, surface reflected) while utilizing individual ray arrival information, simplifying automation efforts. The algorithm compares the arrival pattern from a sperm whale click to range-, depth-, and azimuth-dependent modeled arrival patterns in order to estimate whale location. With sufficient knowledge of azimuthally dependent bathymetry, a three-dimensional track of whale motion can be obtained using data from a single hydrophone. Tracking is demonstrated using data from acoustic recorders attached to fishing anchor lines off southeast Alaska as part of efforts to study sperm whale depredation of fishing operations. Several tracks of whale activity using real data from one or two hydrophones have been created, and three are provided to demonstrate the method, including one simultaneous visual and acoustic localization of a sperm whale actively clicking while surfaced. The tracks also suggest that whales' foraging is shallower in the presence of a longline haul than without.     

Boundary element model for simulating sound propagation and source localization within the lungs

An acoustic boundary element (BE) model is used to simulate sound propagation in the lung parenchyma. It is computationally validated and then compared with experimental studies on lung phantom models. Parametric studies quantify the effect of different model parameters on the resulting acoustic field within the lung phantoms. The BE model is then coupled with a source localization algorithm to predict the position of an acoustic source within the phantom. Experimental studies validate the BE-based source localization algorithm and show that the same algorithm does not perform as well if the BE simulation is replaced with a free field assumption that neglects reflections and standing wave patterns created within the finite-size lung phantom. The BE model and source localization procedure are then applied to actual lung geometry taken from the National Library of Medicine's Visible Human Project. These numerical studies are in agreement with the studies on simpler geometry in that use of a BE model in place of the free field assumption alters the predicted acoustic field and source localization results. This work is relevant to the development of advanced auscultatory techniques that utilize multiple noninvasive sensors to construct acoustic images of sound generation and transmission to identify pathologies.     

Physically Realizable Broadband Acoustic Metamaterials with Anisotropic Density

Transformation acoustics are concentrated for the purpose of designing novel acoustic devices to tailor acoustic waves to achieve desirable characteristics. However, these devices require fluid or fluid-like materials with an anisotropic density that generally does not exist in nature. Therefore, we introduce pentamode metamaterials into an alternating multilayer isotropic medium model to build fluid-like metamaterials with an anisotropic density. A 2D acoustic bending based on transformation acoustics is established and investigated to verify our method. This idea provides a method to design broadband and physically realizable acoustic metamaterials with an anisotropic density and is meaningful for the design of acoustic metamaterials.     

A shadowgraph method for ocean acoustics

A knowledge of convection activity in the upper few hundred metres of the ocean is important in establishing ocean-atmosphere heat fluxes and in understanding large-scale water-circulation processes. The usual methods for investigating internal structures in the ocean have certain drawbacks. Lowering probes into the ocean can provide local information only, while towed arrays of sensors are cumbersome and expensive. An alternative acoustic method for revealing internal structures is proposed. It is based on the observed acoustic intensity only and does not rely on phase or travel times. For this reason it is really an acoustic shadowgraph. The method is explained and its successful use in a sea trial is reported.     

Inverse problem with beamforming regularization matrix applied to sound source localization in closed wind-tunnel using microphone array

Microphone arrays have become a standard technique to localize and quantify source in aeroacoustics. The simplest approach is the beamforming that provides noise source maps with large main lobe and strong side lobes at low frequency. Since a decade, the focus is set on deconvolution techniques such as DAMAS or Clean-SC. While the source map is clearly improved, these methods require a large computation time. In this paper, we propose a sound source localization technique based on an inverse problem with beamforming regularization matrix called Hybrid Method. With synthetic data, we show that the side lobes are removed and the main lobe is narrower. Moreover, if the sound noise source map provided by this method is used as input in the DAMAS process, the number of DAMAS iterations is highly reduced. The Hybrid Method is applied to experimental data obtained in a closed wind-tunnel. In both cases of acoustic or aeroacoustic data, the source is correctly detected. The proposed Hybrid Method is found simple to implement and the computation time is low if the number of scan points is reasonable.