An interactive software design tool for the performance assessment of two-dimensional composite transducer arrays for underwater imaging applications

The development and subsequent evaluation of an interactive software design tool for the performance assessment of 2-D composite transducer arrays, and, in particular, their imaging potential for applications in underwater visualization systems (in which the array will be configured as part of a SONAR system) are investigated. The model developed has its origins in linear systems theory, this being used to obtain the fundamental transduction performance, and is capable of simulating a wide range of composite configurations and also of varying mechanical and electrical load conditions. In addition, the model permits the analysis of pseudoreal target scenarios, comprising an arbitrary arrangement of arcs, circles, and rectangles. SAF processed images from an operational 100-element 1-3 connectivity ceramic-epoxy composite array are shown to exhibit close agreement with simulated responses