Acoustic scattering from density and sound speed gradients: modeling of oceanic pycnoclines

A weak-scattering model that allows prediction of acoustic scattering from oceanic pycnoclines (and the accompanying sound speed gradients) based on hydrographic profiles is described. Model predictions, based on profiles from four locations, indicate that scattering from oceanic pycnoclines is measurable using standard scientific sonars operating at frequencies up to 200 kHz but generally only for pycnocline thicknesses less than 10 m. Accurate scattering models are key to assessing whether acoustic remote sensing can be used to map oceanic pycnoclines and for determining whether scattering from pycnoclines needs to be taken into account when estimating, for instance, zooplankton abundance from acoustic data.     

On acoustic scattering by a shell-covered seafloor

Acoustic scattering by the seafloor is sometimes influenced, if not dominated, by the presence of discrete volumetric objects such as shells. A series of measurements of target strength of a type of benthic shelled animal and associated scattering modeling have recently been completed (Stanton et al., "Acoustic scattering by benthic and planktonic shelled animals," J. Acoust. Soc. Am., this issue). The results of that study are used herein to estimate the scattering by the seafloor with a covering of shells at high acoustic frequencies. A simple formulation is derived that expresses the area scattering strength of the seafloor in terms of the average reduced target strength or material properties of the discrete scatterers and their packing factor (where the reduced target strength is the target strength normalized by the geometric cross section of the scatterers and the averaging is done over orientation and/or a narrow range of size or frequency). The formula shows that, to first order, the backscattering at high acoustic frequencies by a layer of shells (or other discrete bodies such as rocks) depends principally upon material properties of the objects and packing factor and is independent of size and acoustic frequency. Estimates of area scattering strength using this formula and measured values of the target strength of shelled bodies from Stanton et al. (this issue) are close to or consistent with observed area scattering strengths due to shell-covered seafloors published in other papers.     

Comparison of multifrequency acoustic and in situ measurements of zooplankton abundances in Knight Inlet, British Columbia

An investigation of midwater zooplankton aggregations in a coastal fjord was conducted in November 2002. This study focused on quantitative comparisons between a calibrated, three-frequency (38, 120, and 200 kHz) vessel-based echo-sounder, a multinet towed zooplankton sampler (BIONESS), and a high-resolution underwater camera (ZOOVIS). Daytime layers of euphausiids and amphipods near 70-90-m depth were observed in lower parts of the inlet, especially concentrated by tidal flows around a sill. Quantitative backscatter measurements of euphausiids and amphipods, combined with in situ size and abundance estimates, and using an assumed tilt-angle distribution, were in agreement with averaged fluid-cylinder scattering models produced by Stanton and Chu [ICES J. Mar. Sci. 57, 793-807, (2000)]. Acoustic measurements of physonect siphonophores in the upper inlet were found to have a strong 38-kHz scattering strength, in agreement with a damped bubble scattering model using a diameter of 0.4 mm. In relatively dense euphausiid layers, ZOOVIS abundance estimates were found to be a factor of 2 to 4 higher than the acoustic estimates, potentially due to deviations from assumed euphausiid orientation. Nocturnal near-surface euphausiid scattering exhibited a strong (15 dB) and rapid (seconds) sensitivity to vessel lights, interpreted as due to changing animal orientation.     

Sound scattering by a resistive and axially symmetric object in a two-layer ocean

An acoustically resistive and axially symmetric object is placed in a two-layer ocean very far from a point source of acoustic waves. The object is either floating in the water layer or buried in the sediment layer. Both layers are homogenous. The size of the object is small when compared to the depth of the water channel. The free surface of the sea is assumed to be soft and the bottom is assumed to be hard. Between the two layers the classical diffraction boundary conditions are taken. An extension of the Deep Water Approximation method [Ergatis P. Radiation, propagation and scattering of acoustic waves in an underwater environment. PhD thesis, University of Patras; 1997 (in Greek)] is being provided to cover the case of resistive scatterers [Colton, D., Kress, R. Integral equation methods in scattering theory. New York: Wiley; 1983].     

Acoustically modulated speckle imaging of biological tissues

A video laser speckle imaging technique yields images with contrast based on the mechanical properties of a tissue. Fluctuations of laser speckle patterns induced by acoustically driving the tissue at various frequencies in the 0-30-Hz range encode the mechanical strain of the tissue. At each acoustic frequency and within the camera acquisition time, each camera pixel integrates a temporally fluctuating speckle intensity whose variance encodes the mechanical strain in response to the acoustic modulation. The magnitude and the frequency dependence of this strain provide mechanical information about the tissue and are the contrast mechanism for images.     

Acoustic anechoic layers with singly periodic array of scatterers: Computational methods,absorption mechanisms,and optimal design

The acoustic properties of anechoic layers with a singly periodic array of cylindrical scatterers are investigated. A method combined plane wave expansion and finite element analysis is extended for out-of-plane incidence. The reflection characteristics of the anechoic layers with cavities and locally resonant scatterers are discussed. The backing is a steel plate followed by an air half space. Under this approximate zero transmission backing condition, the reflection reduction is induced by the absorption enhancement. The absorption mechanism is explained by the scattering/absorption cross section of the isolated scatterer. Three types of resonant modes which can induce efficient absorption are revealed. Due to the fact that the frequencies of the resonant modes are related to the size of the scatterers, anechoic layers with scatterers of mixed size can broaden the absorption band. A genetic optimization algorithm is adopted to design the anechoic layer with scatterers of mixed size at a desired frequency band from 2 kHz to l0 kHz for normal incidence, and the influence of the incident angle is also discussed.     

Localization of a small change in a multiple scattering environment without modeling of the actual medium

A method to actively localize a small perturbation in a multiple scattering medium using a collection of remote acoustic sensors is presented. The approach requires only minimal modeling and no knowledge of the scatterer distribution and properties of the scattering medium and the perturbation. The medium is ensonified before and after a perturbation is introduced. The coherent difference between the measured signals then reveals all field components that have interacted with the perturbation. A simple single scatter filter (that ignores the presence of the medium scatterers) is matched to the earliest change of the coherent difference to localize the perturbation. Using a multi-source/receiver laboratory setup in air, the technique has been successfully tested with experimental data at frequencies varying from 30 to 60 kHz (wavelength ranging from 0.5 to 1 cm) for cm-scale scatterers in a scattering medium with a size two to five times bigger than its transport mean free path.     

Time-reversal analysis for scatterer characterization

A new application of time-reversal processing of wave scattering data permits characterization of scatterers by analyzing the number and nature of the singular functions (or eigenfunctions) associated with individual scatterers when they have multiple contributions from monopole, dipole, and/or quadrupole scattering terms. We discuss acoustic, elastic, and electromagnetic scattering problems for low frequencies. Specific examples for electromagnetic scattering from one of a number of small conducting spheres show that each sphere can have up to six distinct time-reversal eigenfunctions associated with it.     

Interaction of acoustic scatterers

The interaction of scatterers under steady-state acoustic irradiation is studied for the case of scatterers in the form of elliptic cylinders taken as an example. The angular scattering characteristics of two interacting cylinders are calculated and compared with the angular characteristics of a single cylinder in a wide frequency band and in a wide angular range of irradiation. The parameters of interacting bodies (the angle of irradiation, the size with respect to the wavelength, and the distance between the bodies) at which the interaction is negligibly small are determined.     

有限元/边界元耦合方法在海洋生物目标强度特性研究的应用*

目标强度特性是海洋生物声学识别与资源量评估的重要依据,其中,基于近似几何体和声阻抗特性的理论模型法是研究海洋生物目标强度的重要手段。由于对几何形态近似处理以及数值求解方法的限制,传统理论模型对声波频率、入射方位以及目标声阻抗、形态尺寸等均有各自不同的适用范围,单一模型难以满足不同种类或同一种类但不同尺寸海洋生物的目标强度求解。本文尝试将逐渐见诸应用的有限元/边界元耦合方法用于海洋生物目标强度特性研究,分别以球形生物、纺锤形鱼类尾明角灯鱼(Ceratoscopelus warmingii)和细长形浮游动物南极大磷虾(Euphausia superba)为例进行仿真计算,并与相适应的经典理论模型进行对比分析。结果表明,对于球形生物,有限元/边界元耦合方法与解析模型的目标强度频响曲线完全吻合;对于纺锤形鱼类,有限元/边界元耦合方法可有效弥补基于模态级数解的形变圆柱体模型在中低频和两端入射时的准确性问题;对于细长形浮游动物,有限元/边界元耦合方法与畸变波玻恩近似模型高度吻合。综上,有限元/边界元耦合方法对多种海洋生物目标强度求解均具有较好的适用性,未来有待进一步结合实验测定进行验证。     

A modal Pritchard approximation for computing array element mutual impedance.

An investigation into the applicability and accuracy of Pritchard's approximation for closely packed transducer arrays is undertaken. A new, "modal" Pritchard approximation is developed, based upon normal modes of the acoustic medium, and is tested for arrays of acoustically hard spheres to ascertain its accuracy in determining the mutual acoustic radiation impedance between array elements. For ka approximately 1, it is found that the modal Pritchard approximation works quite well in approximating the mutual radiation impedance of a two-element array, even for relatively close spacing; but for arrays of three or more scatterers in close proximity the approximation may have relatively large errors. The effect of neglecting inter-element scattering is analyzed for the monopole-to-monopole scattering of various configurations of a three-element array and a sixteen-element double line array.     

水中密排圆柱体群的超声多重散射参数

以水中紧密排列的平行圆柱体群为对象,研究平面超声脉冲经多重散射后的透射波性质,通过分析其中头波和散射波的特征获得对应的多重散射参数.对直径随机分布、位置无序排列、数量密度约100个/cm2、面积占空比约0.53的非接触圆柱体群,采用中心频率2.5 MHz的宽带脉冲波入射。为解决透射信号在时域表现出随机性的问题,将散射体尺寸、分布都相同但位置分布不同的多个模型仿真的透射波叠加平均后用于分析.在频域对头波的宽带衰减系数进行分析,并在时域研究散射波声强的时间演化曲线,获得了系统的弹性平均自由程、传输平均自由程等多重散射参数。经多重散射后,透射波中的头波表现出相干性,由不相干近似理论可对其对应的散射参数进行定性描述;散射波是不相干的,其对应的多重散射参数可近似利用扩散近似理论获得。      

Multibeam volume acoustic backscatter imagery and reverberation measurements in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico

Multibeam volume acoustic backscatter imagery and reverberation measurements are derived from data collected in 200-m-deep waters in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, with the Toroidal Volume Search Sonar (TVSS), a 68-kHz cylindrical sonar operated by the U.S. Navy's Coastal System Station. The TVSS's 360-degree vertical imaging plane allows simultaneous identification of multiple volume scattering sources and their discrimination from backscatter at the sea surface or the seafloor. This imaging capability is used to construct a three-dimensional representation of a pelagic fish school near the bottom. Scattering layers imaged in the mixed layer and upper thermocline are attributed to assemblages of epipelagic zooplankton. The fine scale patchiness of these scatterers is assessed with the two-dimensional variance spectra of vertical volume scattering strength images in the upper and middle water column. Mean volume reverberation levels exhibit a vertical directionality which is attributed to the volume scattering layers. Boundary echo sidelobe interference and reverberation is shown to be the major limitation in obtaining bioacoustic data with the TVSS. Because net tow and trawl samples were not collected with the acoustic data, the analysis presented is based upon comparison to previous biologic surveys in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico and reference to the bioacoustic literature.     

Low frequency sound scattering from spherical assemblages of bubbles using effective medium theory

The determination of the acoustic field scattered by an underwater assembly of gas bubbles or similar resonant monopole scatterers is of considerable theoretical and practical interest. This problem is addressed from a theoretical point of view within the framework of the effective medium theory for the case of spherically shaped assemblages. Although being valid more generally, the effective medium theory is an ideal instrument to study multiple scattering effects such as low frequency collective resonances, acoustically coupled breathing modes of the entire assembly. Explicit expressions for the scattering amplitude and cross sections are derived, as well as closed form expressions for the resonance frequency and spectral shape of the fundamental collective mode utilizing analytical S-matrix methods. This approach allows, in principle, a simultaneous inversion for the assembly radius and void fraction directly from the scattering cross sections. To demonstrate the validity of the approach, the theory is applied to the example of idealized, spherically shaped schools of swim bladder bearing fish. The analytic results of the theory are compared to numerical first-principle benchmark computations and excellent agreement is found, even for densely packed schools and frequencies across the bladder resonance.     

Anisotropy in high-frequency broadband acoustic backscattering in the presence of turbulent microstructure and zooplankton

High-frequency broadband (120-600 kHz) acoustic backscattering measurements have been made in the vicinity of energetic internal waves. The transducers on the backscattering system could be adjusted so as to insonify the water-column either vertically or horizontally. The broadband capabilities of the system allowed spectral classification of the backscattering. The distribution of spectral shapes is significantly different for scattering measurements made with the transducers oriented horizontally versus vertically, indicating that scattering anisotropy is present. However, the scattering anisotropy could not be unequivocally explained by either turbulent microstructure or zooplankton, the two primary sources of scattering expected in internal waves. Daytime net samples indicate a predominance of short-aspect-ratio zooplankton. Using zooplankton acoustic scattering models, a preferential orientation of the observed zooplankton cannot explain the measured anisotropy. Yet model predictions of scattering from anisotropic turbulent microstructure, with inputs from coincident microstructure measurements, were not consistent with the observations. Possible explanations include bandwidth limitations that result in many spectra that cannot be unambiguously attributed to turbulence or zooplankton based on spectral shape. Extending the acoustic bandwidth to cover the range from 50?kHz to 2?MHz could help improve identification of the dominant sources of backscattering anisotropy.     

The scanning acoustic microprobe: I. Analysis and synthesis of a spherically symmetric point spread function

The scanning acoustic microprobe is a novel system which probes and characterizes, from a limited acoustic window, the fine-scale structural features of an object, point-by-point, using a multiplicity of acoustic pulses all aimed and focused at that point. Spherically symmetric, three-dimensional Gaussian pulses are synthesized to measure the backscatter diffraction pattern of the least-resolvable volume of scatterers centered at the point in question. The size and distribution of the scattering volume is forced to be constant, independent of frequency and angle. This method is analytically simple, compared with other pulse-echo techniques, and is applicable to scatterers ranging continuously in size from Rayleigh scatterers to specular reflectors. This is the first of a number of papers describing the development and application of systems based on these concepts. The analytical principles will be described herein for examination of one point at a time. In a companion paper appearing in this issue [F. E. Barber, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 90, 11-19 (1991)], application to measurement and characterization of a discrete, flat, circular "piston" will be presented. Application to human tissue imaging and tissue characterization will be described in a subsequent third paper. The primary features detected experimentally are the strength of nondirective patterns, and the strength, orientation, and directivity of angle-dependent echo functions associated with planar or layered structures. Fine-scale structural features of a scattering center are obtained either by pattern recognition in k(data) space or inverse Fourier transformation. It is shown that when the bandwidth criteria are met to produce a spherically symmetric point spread function, scattering phenomena are completely described by only two parameters, namely the center frequency of the pulse-echo system and the characteristic diameter of the Gaussian point spread function.     

The reflection of ultrasound from partially contacting rough surfaces

Ultrasound is commonly used to detect and size cracks in a range of engineering components. Modeling techniques are well established for smooth and open cracks. However, real cracks are often rough (relative to the ultrasonic wavelength) and closed due to compressive stress. This paper describes an investigation into the combined effects of crack face roughness and closure on ultrasonic detectability. A contact model has been used to estimate the size and shape of scatterers (voids) at the interface of these rough surfaces when loaded. The response of such interfaces to excitation with a longitudinal ultrasonic pulse over a wide range of frequencies has been investigated. The interaction of ultrasound with this scattering interface is predicted using a finite-element model and good agreement with experiments on rough surfaces is shown. Results are shown for arrays of equi-sized scatterers and a distribution of scatterer sizes. It is shown that the response at high frequencies is dependent on the size, shape, and distribution of the scatterers. It is also shown that the finite-element results depart from the mass-spring model predictions when the product of wave number and scatterer half-width is greater than 0.4.     

Acoustic scattering by multiple elliptical cylinders using collocation multipole method

This paper presents the collocation multipole method for the acoustic scattering induced by multiple elliptical cylinders subjected to an incident plane sound wave. To satisfy the Helmholtz equation in the elliptical coordinate system, the scattered acoustic field is formulated in terms of angular and radial Mathieu functions which also satisfy the radiation condition at infinity. The sound-soft or sound-hard boundary condition is satisfied by uniformly collocating points on the boundaries. For the sound-hard or Neumann conditions, the normal derivative of the acoustic pressure is determined by using the appropriate directional derivative without requiring the addition theorem of Mathieu functions. By truncating the multipole expansion, a finite linear algebraic system is derived and the scattered field can then be determined according to the given incident acoustic wave. Once the total field is calculated as the sum of the incident field and the scattered field, the near field acoustic pressure along the scatterers and the far field scattering pattern can be determined. For the acoustic scattering of one elliptical cylinder, the proposed results match well with the analytical solutions. The proposed scattered fields induced by two and three elliptical–cylindrical scatterers are critically compared with those provided by the boundary element method to validate the present method. Finally, the effects of the convexity of an elliptical scatterer, the separation between scatterers and the incident wave number and angle on the acoustic scattering are investigated.     

Multiple scattering in a reflecting cavity: application to fish counting in a tank.

Classical fisheries acoustics techniques are useless in the presence of multiple scattering or reflecting boundaries. A general technique is developed that provides the number and the scattering strength of scatterers in motion placed inside a highly reflecting cavity. This approach is based on multiple scattering theory. The idea is to measure the average effect of the scatterers on the acoustic echoes of the cavity interfaces. This leads to the measure of the scattering mean free path, a typical length that characterizes the scattering strength of the cloud of scatterers. Numerical results are shown to agree with a simple theoretical analysis. Experiments are performed with fish in a tank at two different scales: ultrasonic frequency (400 kHz) in a 1.4-l beaker with 1-cm-long fish as well as fisheries acoustics frequency (12.8 kHz) in a 30-m3 tank with 35-cm-long fish. These results have interesting applications to fish target strength measurement and fish counting in aquaculture.     

Identification of aero-acoustic scattering matrices from large eddy simulation. Application to a sudden area expansion of a duct

A methodology is presented which allows to determine the coefficients of transmission and reflection of plane acoustic waves at flow discontinuities in piping systems by combining large eddy simulation (LES) of turbulent compressible flows with system identification. The method works as follows. At first, an LES with external, broadband excitation of acoustic waves is carried out. Time series of acoustic data are extracted from the computed flow field and analyzed with system identification techniques in order to determine the acoustic scattering coefficients for a range of frequencies. The combination of broadband excitation with highly parallelized LES makes the overall approach quite efficient, despite the difficulties associated with simulation of low-Mach number compressible flows. The method is very general, here it is applied to study the scattering behavior of acoustic waves at a sudden change in cross-section in a duct system. The complex aero-acoustic interactions between acoustic waves and free shear layers are captured in detail by high resolution compressible LES, such that the scattering coefficients can be determined accurately from first principles. In order to demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of the method, the results for the scattering behavior and the acoustic impedance are presented and physically interpreted in combination with several analytical models and experimental data.