Kevin Rudd - kerudd@wm.edu

Nonlinear Acoustics and Parametric Arrays

Parametric arrays exploit the nonlinearity of air to create very narrow sound beams.  They are finding commercial applications in delivering sound to localized volumes (Holosonic's Audio Spotlight, American Technology Corporation's HSS, Senheiser's Audio Beam).  The narrow sound beams of these arrays make them ideal for a range of applications including nondestructive evaluation, robotics, and underwater sonar.  We have developed a finite-difference simulation package (based on the freely available Texas KZK code) to simulate parametric arrays and to test different design parameters such as array size, curvature, wave intensity, and initial waveforms.  We have used this code to guide the design of a custom parametric array for an acoustic concealed weapons detector.  We have combined this nonlinear acoustics code with the 3DAFIT code to simulate nonlinear sound beams and to study how the resulting waves scatter from complex shaped objects.

Nonlinear Acoustic Concealed Weapons Detection - Parametric Arrays

Nonlinear Sound Beams

Parametric Array Simulations