High-Power, Low-Frequency, Textured PMN-PT Underwater Projector

As targets of interest become increasingly quieter, there is an ever-present need to increase the performance of active transducers (projectors) to improve the detection range and probability of detection for targets of interest. The projector performance metrics in particular that need improvement include: higher source level, lower operating frequency and increased bandwidth while minimizing weight. This is easier to do when size and power are not limited, however, due to the sonobuoy A-size form factor (4 7/8 x 36) space constraints there is a limitation on the size and power, and that is the challenge that must be overcome. The objective of this SBIR program is to design, develop, fabricate, and demonstrate a projector that exploits the enhanced properties of PMN-PT textured ceramic. The new piezoelectric material, PMN-PT texture ceramic, presents the opportunity to address the challenge of increasing an active sonobuoy performance metrics for low frequency response, increased sound pressure level (SPL), increased bandwidth, while still capable of being packaged in the size constraints of an A-size sonobuoy( 4 7/8 x 12) when other necessary components of the sonobuoy such as surface electronics, subsurface electronics, subsurface batteries, suspension and cable pack are factored into the space budget.