Wave theory modelling: a convenient approach to CW and pulse propagation modelling in low-frequency acoustics

The most commonly used continuous-wave (CW) propagation models are presented and their areas of applicability indicated. Furthermore, it is shown how these numerical codes can be extended to provide pulse results by Fourier synthesis of CW solutions. The ability of the acoustic models to describe sound propagation accurately in complicated ocean environments is demonstrated through a sequence model/date comparisons involving both CW and pulse-propagation results. It is also shown that the full complexity of real ocean environments must be considered in the numerical models to accurately predict the propagation conditions for a broad range of source frequencies. In conclusion, it is noted that the biggest difficulty today in sonar performance prediction modelling is not associated with the modelling tools themselves, but rather with the lack of environmental information to be used as input to the models