Ultra wideband active acoustic conformal array module

"In Phase I we presented a new type of wide band transmission linetransducer, which covers the frequency band from 10 kHz to 85kHz. PZT and PMN-PT drivers were evaluated for low power, at 3w/cm2, and higher power, at greater than 11 watts/cm2, operationrespectively. The element length is small enough so that themodule with amplifiers and T/R switches together with theelements will not exceed 5 inches in depth. The modules consistof elements with radiating faces small enough to allow steeringup through 450 without introduction of grating lobes. The designis simple to fabricate and should prove to be highly reliable.The concept was developed during our Phase I program where wedemonstrated the theory of operation through the use of thecomputer programs TRN, TAP and ANSYS. An experimental model ofthe PZT version was fabricated and tested to substantiate thetheoretical models. We also used the circuit analysis program TAPto demonstrate the ability to steer the module even at thehighest frequencies. In this proposal we review our Phase Iresults and present a Phase II program, which includes thedevelopment of a partial array of ultra wideband transducermodules.BENEFITS: A new very wideband conformal transducer array with greater than three octave band performance will be developed for submarine use with applicability to surface ships and autonomous vehicles. The technology should provide a significantimprovement for sonar and oceanographic