Multistatic Active Acoustics

Abstract

The long-term objective of this research is to develop a theoretical foundation for the design of new multi-static sonar concepts for littoral seabed imaging and mine counter measures (MCM) operations. Multistatic configurations have been made possible by the development with ONR support of new inexpensive autonomous underwater vehicle technology. OBJECTIVES The specific objective of this project is to develop and validate theoretical and numerical models of the 3-D spatial statistics of the seismo-acoustic field produced by targets on and within a rough elastic seabed. These models are then applied to develop an improved understanding of the dominant physical processes governing the performance of moderate-to-high frequency sonar systems for detection and classification of objects above and below the seabed in shallow water environments.