Sonic nearfields of a pulsed piston radiator

The formation of sonic pulses in the nearfield region of a pulsed piston radiator has been investigated by simulation on a digital computer. The results give insight into the sonic radiation process, showing the formation of pulses that replicate the piston motion, with trailing disturbances which originate from the rim. A comparison is made between pulsed and CW beam profiles, showing that there is little difference for moderate pulse lengths.