The optimization of large linear arrays¹

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Bluston, H.S.

Affiliations: Brooklyn Polytechnic, Freeport, N.Y., U.S.A.

Note: [1] This work was done at T.R.G., Inc., 2 Aerial Way, Syosset, N.Y.

Abstract: Methods are given for obtaining the optimum source distribution for a large, linear, sonar array. An ‘optimum’ distribution is defined here as one which minimizes the pattern beam width for a given side lobe level. Numerical results are given for various arrays having between 11 and 201 elements and a - 20 db side lobe level, and it is shown that these results can be used over a wide range of steering angles θc and element spacings d/λ. It is then shown that there are bounds on d/λ for a given θc and tables are given for these bounds. Finally, comparisons are made of the patterns due to an ‘optimum’, ‘modified optimum’ and uniform distribution for a 201 element broadside sonar array.

DOI: 10.3233/ISP-1966-1313703

Journal: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 13, no. 137, pp. 29-37, 1966