Preliminary tank test results on the effects of surface waves in underwater acoustic measurement induced by airborne sound sources

In order to investigate the influence of surface waves on underwater sound propagation from an airborne source, a preliminary test was conducted in a water tank with surface wave generators. Sweep-sine and stepped-sine signals ranging from 500 Hz to 6 kHz were continuously emitted using an airborne sound source array, and six hydrophones were installed underwater at equal intervals directly beneath the source. Sound pressure levels were measured under both regular and irregular wave conditions, as well as in calm water for comparison. The results showed that the signal level decreased with increasing water depth, and that the presence of waves affected the characteristics of the received signals. Work supported by National Research Foundation of Korea funded by Ministry of Science and ICT and Defense Acquisition Program Administration (RS-2024-00464563).