Ocean-basin reverberation from large underwater explosions: part 2: computer model for reverberation

Abstract

Following detonation of an underwater explosion, sound reverberates from the ocean surface and bottom and from scatterers within the medium. In addition, the boundaries of the ocean basin and obstructions within it, such as seamounts, reradiate the acoustic energy incident upon them. Our concern is with these latter signals. This paper describes a computer reverberation model being developed to predict the sound leyel that will ensue following detonation of a large underwater explosion. He will also show the comparisons with existing experimental data from high explosive tests and with theories concerning the reflection of sound in the ocean. A simplistic model has proved adequate for matching available experimental measurements in the North Atlantic Basin. The parameters on which the model are based are applicable to any geometrical configuration and are not arbitrarily assigned according to the situation. Therefore, we haye expectations that the methods used will be applicable to different ocean basins as well.The next phase of the work will include application to other basins for which we can obtain data for comparison.