Computation of Beam Patterns and Directivity Indices for Three- Dimensional Arrays with Arbitrary Element Spacings

Abstract : The computation of beam pattern functions involves the summation of individual element responses that contain spatial and artificially induced phase delays. In this manner, the total array response to acoustic wave excitation possessing directionality characteristics can be determined. A computer program that calculates the beam pattern function for any selected section of the beam pattern is discussed. Some special features of the program are: both uniform and nonuniform spacing of hydrophones can be accommodated; either plane or spherical wave excitation can be assessed; the beam pattern can be determined for any desired array steering direction; any desired element response function can be incorporated into the beam computations; any prescribed amplitude shading technique can be applied to the array; and arbitrary single-element phase delays can be introduced into the beam computations.