Path-loss prediction based on FDTD method and normal mode theory for underwater acoustic channel

This paper proposes a new normal mode algorithm based on Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) scheme. The proposed method can efficiently predict the wideband path-loss of the underwater acoustic channel through only one simulation, while the conventional normal mode theory based on frequency-domain analysis should be repeated many times over wideband frequency points. To validate the proposed method, a 40% bandwidth at 20 Hz has been simulated using a Gaussian pulse excitation and compared with the known normal mode solution, the Kraken, and the ray theory solution, the Bellhop.