Prediction and measurement of acoustic transmission loss of acoustic window with composite sandwich structure

Abstract

Underwater acoustic detection sensors are mounted on the outside of the submarine; the acoustic window for protecting these sensors must be structurally robust while also minimizing any deterioration of sensor's sound detection performance. These two conditions are typically satisfied simultaneously by using composite materials with acoustic window materials. However, since such composite material is manufactured by laminating fibers, there is the probability that delamination occurs, in which an air layer is formed inside, due to manufacturing process errors. Delamination inside the acoustic window degrades the sensor's acoustic performance and results in a failure of military operations. In the case of composites composed of sandwich structures located in the central part, the possibility of internal delamination is higher than in a single composite material. Therefore, it is very important to discriminate the presence or absence of internal delamination after producing an acoustic window. This article uses numerical and analytical methods to determine the internal delamination of the acoustic window fabricated with a sandwich structure. In addition, the results were analyzed and compared through ultrasonic measurement and acoustic transmission loss test.