Mission Statement:
The Acoustic Systems Branch conducts a research and technology program supporting
the development of surveillance and tactical acoustic systems. Research emphasizes
the relationship between the physical environment and the general phenomena
of acoustic propagation through oceanic, terrestrial and atmospheric media.
Non-acoustic signals arising from acoustic phenomena or acoustic signals arising
from phenomena other than acoustics are also of interest. The Branch develops
signal processing techniques that mitigate degrading effects of the environment
or exploit opportunities for environmental enhancement. Environmental effects
in the ocean include propagation through the dynamic ocean volume and scattering
from the ocean boundaries and fish. Emphasis is given to littoral environments
where the ocean sediments play a significant role. The impact of the dynamic
air-sea interaction zone on propagation and reverberation is also an important
research topic. Passive signal processing techniques seek to detect and locate
quiet noise sources amid a noise background that is variable in frequency,
space, and time. Active signal processing techniques seek to detect and locate
targets by discriminating their echoes from reverberation and clutter. Active
sonar research also develops target strength models and novel signal processing
techniques based on concepts such as time-reversal and human auralization.
A major component of the research involves measurements in both laboratory
tank facilities and at sea.
The Branch Head can be reached at (202) 767-9037.
Branch Description:
The Acoustic Systems Branch consists
of three sections.
| Section Name |
| Code 7142 - Active Systems Section |
| Code 7144 - Analytic Acoustics Section |
| Code 7145 - Advanced Acoustic Concepts Section |
Modification date: February 25, 2008 - webmaster@acoustics.nrl.navy.mil
