Direction Estimation Algorithm and Its Improved Method Based on a Tri-axial Vector Sound Intensity Array

The passive direction estimation for low-frequency underwater acoustic noise sources by using a tri-axial array with six sensors is investigated here. With the combined processing to the received information of pressure and particle velocity, accurate direction estimation for low frequency sound source can be achieved with small array size. An improved algorithm based on sound intensity measurement by geometrical average pressure is also presented, which can improve the accuracy of direction finding. The computer simulation is conducted with the noise data radiated by a ship. The results show that the accuracy of direction finding achieved by the improved algorithm is within with the array size 0.5m and SNR 0 dB.