Piezocomposite Nose Array for the MK 54 Torpedo

In order to take advantage of the latest advances in weapons related signal processing, the modern weapons sonar requires an essential upgrade from the existing electroacoustic array to an improved broadband design. Historically, the electroacoustic transducers used for medium power weapons sonar (including the legacy MK50 array) are constructed with classic tonpilz designs. These devices generally consist of multiple layers of thin solid ceramic disks assembled between a light radiating head and a high density tail mass compressed together with a compliant central stress rod. While these devices have a proven history of reliability and performance in narrow band applications, they are not necessarily the ideal choice to provide cost effective, broadband solutions due to their increased complexity and high manufacturing cost.

Recent advances in piezocomposite technology have addressed this problem through optimization of materials and innovative electroacoustic design. Using a two-phase piezocomposite material allows the flexibility in optimizing the properties to make tradeoffs between mechanical, electrical, thermal and acoustic performance. Previously the benefits of this technology have been demonstrated and now are shown to provide a piezocomposite solution to meet the broadband requirements for future upgrades of the MK54 with fewer components and at a lower cost.