A Study for Acoustic Target Strength Characteristics of Submarines Using Kirchhoff Approximation

Abstract

AbstractAcoustic target strength (TS) is one of the most important factors for a submarine's stealth ability and survivability. As modern submarines are larger than their predecessors, TS must be reduced to improve stealth ability. In this paper, an analysis program based on the Kirchhoff approximation in a high-frequency range and developed for predicting TS of submarines is discussed. This program can analyze TS with respect not only to the single bounce effect in the exterior structure but also to the multibounce effect in the exterior and interior structures through a combination of geometric optics and physical optics methods, anechoic coating effect by using the reflection coefficient, and response time pattern for the detected target. TS calculations of a submarine model with the above effects were simulated by using this developed program, and its results are discussed.