Experimental Study of the Fundamental-Frequency Component of a Plane, Finite-Amplitude Wave

Abstract

The fundamental-frequency component of a plane, finite-amplitude wave is measured in water at 5.65 Mcps by a fixed-distance pulse method giving variable-distance results. The absorption coefficient of the fundamental-frequency component of the wave is examined from the standpoint of its maximum, average, and instantaneous values. It is found that there is a maximum amount of sound-pressure amplitude that can be transmitted over a fixed path, varying as the −0.80 power of the distance. A value for the nonlinearity parameter of water is obtained, giving B/A = 6.3±0.8.