Application of aperture extrapolation beamformer in multibeam bathymetric sonar

Limited by the cost, the size of multibeam bathymetric sonar becomes smaller. It is a significant issue to increase the beamforming capability of small aperture array. As the most commonly used method at present, virtual aperture technique together with LPAE beamforming method is discussed in detail in the paper. Compared with conventional beamforming method through theoretical analysis and computer simulation, LPAE beamforming has better performance for higher SNR, narrower receiving beams, and better resolution ability on nearly spaced goals. This method is proved to be effective, practical and superior by the processed results recorded with multibeam sonar sea trial data.