"Repetitive, Energetic, Plasma Projector System (REppS) ."

1Scientists at Mission Research Corporation (MRC) have developed a concept for a sound projector (Repetitive Energetic Plasma Projector System (REPPS) which may have sonar countermeasure applications. The projector would utilize the well-known technique of an electrical discharge in water to produce a very energetic, broad-band, acoustic pulse. An original hypothesis on how to optimize the electrical to mechanical energy conversion efficiency has been validated by MRC's recent Plasma Driven Water Shock (PDWS) work for the Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA). Recent advances in pulsed power technology have made possible very compact and powertul systems that ten years ago were not feasible. In addition, recent demonstration of Water's capability as a high energy, repetitive, switching fluid further enhances this technique for a system application. We propose to design a complete REPP System, design and test in water a plasma projector element and sonar dome. The objective is to explore the development of a high source level (280 oB), broadband acoustic source.