Processing arrays of uncertain shape

Prosper, Lydia Ruth (1990) Processing arrays of uncertain shape. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

This thesis examines the effects of array deformation in towed acoustic arrays. The theoretical performance prediction of an ESPRIT-type algorithm is presented and the theoretical results are compared with simulation studies under different conditions of SNR, signal separation and array configuration. The final expression for first order perturbation analysis gives good agreement with the results obtained by simulation. Modelling arrays of unknown configuration by the implementation of a sub-array technique, which involves the employment of linear sections to approximate curved arrays, is also given. Theoretical expressions have been obtained which show how the gain of an array is affected by the array parameters, in particular, the radius of curvature of the array. It has been demonstrated that sub-array processing, employing an FFT algorithm, gives good results when it is used to process real data. Certain spectral methods are investigated to examine the manner in which they may be adapted to processing data from non-linear array configurations. Several new algorithms are presented which demonstrate a marked improvement on a well known method. Extensive simulation studies show how these methods are robust in adverse signal and noise conditions. Throughout the research more emphasis has been placed on producing algorithms which are able to estimate array curvature, than on developing numerically efficient techniques.

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