Advanced Analytic Sonic Boom Underwater Propagation Analysis

Federal regulations require that USAF supersonic, subsonic and launch vehicle flight operations be assessed as to possible effects to the near-shore environment. Current modeling capability for this topic is lacking in key areas: reliability of results, environmental assessment requirements, field validation, biological nature of the receiver, and accounting for the key interface boundary conditions that must be satisfied for realistic results. Marine Acoustics, Inc. teamed with Cambridge Acoustical Associates, Inc. proposes a major review of the current state of sonic boom penetration models for realistic ocean environments, and the development of a test plan for experimental verification of the recommended analytic approach. Current analytical models and predictions of subsea sonic boom penetration will be reviewed with a focus on their underlying assumptions and functional dependence on physical parameters. This review will include the supporting database. Subsequent to this review, test requirements for measuring airborne sonic boom penetration into subsurface ocean waters as a function of depth, environmental acoustic parameters and underwater boundary (surface, bottom and volume) conditions will be established. A state-of-the-art review of required instrumentation to meet the requirements will be completed, and a comprehensive test plan for execution under Phase II will be developed.