Simulation of the effect of sonar array's location in the dome on beam pattern

Abstract

Taking planar phased array for example, the beam patterns for sonar array installed in different positions are studied using the finite element analysis software ANSYS and the acoustic software SYSNOISE. The conditions that the sonar array is installed parallel to the vessel, parallel to the acoustic window and the sonar array is installed at different distances from the acoustic window are considered. The simulation results show that the beam has narrower mainlobe and lower sidelobe when the sonar array is installed parallel to the acoustic window and it has unconspicuous difference when the sonar array is installed at different distances, the pressure has a slight increase along with the distance decreases. The results can provide some instruction to the placement of the sonar array in the dome.