Computer model for predicting acoustic reverberation from underwater explosions

Abstract

Following detonation of an underwater explosion, sound reverberates from the ocean surface and bottom and from scatterers within the medium. In addition, the boundaries of the ocean basin and obstructions within it, such as sea mounts, reradiate the acoustic energy incident upon them. Our concern is with these latter signals. This paper describes a computer reverberation model being developed to predict the sound level that will ensue following detonation of a large underwater explosion. As we have developed the model, we have made comparisons with existing experimental data and theories concerning the reflection of sound in the ocean. A simplistic model has proved adequate for matching available experimental measurements in the North Atlantic Basin. Since the parameters on which the model is based are simply defined and applicable to any geometrical configuration, the computations are expected to apply to other ocean basins as well.