An analysis of Freedman's "image pulse" model in air

The "image pulse" model developed by Freedman calculates the echoes generated from convex objects in an underwater environment after insonification with a narrow-band transient signal. The model uses the source radiation and the solid angle subtended at the transducer by the scattering body to determine the echo structure. Work has been completed in adapting this model for use in an air environment using noncoincident transmitters and receivers. Experiments were conducted to measure the amplitudes of the echoes off a range of convex objects, at distances up to 1.4 m, after insonification with a Polaroid transducer. These measured amplitudes were compared to those predicted by the model, with the results for cones highlighting the limitations of the model. Spheres, however, performed significantly better, with an average error of under 5%, indicating that the model should be reasonably accurate at calculating the echoes off convex objects with a smoothly varying surface.