Robust passive range estimation using the waveguide invariant

TLDR

The waveguide invariant principle enables range estimation of a broadband acoustic source in a shallow‑water waveguide using a single receiver towed directly toward the source. By linking signal‑processing parameters to ocean‑acoustic environmental variables, the authors develop heuristics for minimum source bandwidth and horizontal aperture and test a range‑estimation algorithm on experimental and simulated data covering 500–2200 m ranges and 350–700 Hz frequencies. The algorithm achieves about 25 % accuracy across the tested cases while requiring only minimal a priori environmental knowledge.

Abstract

The waveguide invariant principle is used to estimate the range to a broadband acoustic source in a shallow-water waveguide using a single acoustic receiver towed along a path directly toward the acoustic source. A relationship between the signal processing parameters and the ocean-acoustic environmental parameters is used to increase the effective signal-to-noise ratio without requiring detailed knowledge of the environment. Heuristics are developed to estimate the minimum source bandwidth and minimum horizontal aperture required for range estimation. A range estimation algorithm is tested on experimental and simulated data for source ranges of 500–2200 m and frequencies from 350 to 700 Hz. The algorithm is accurate to within approximately 25% for the cases tested and requires only a minimal amount of a priori environmental knowledge.