Theory 008/Acoustics & Vibration
Sonar Range Is the Profile
The claim
Sonar detection range is set by the curvature of the sound speed profile rather than by source level, so a louder source in a defocusing profile can detect less.
01The mechanism
The profile refracts rays; a downward-refracting profile traps sound near the surface while an upward one disperses it.
02Predictions
- P1Range should track profile curvature.
- P2Increasing source level should not overcome defocusing.
03Refutation
Range scaling with source level regardless of profile would remove refraction control.