Gaussian ray bundles for modeling high-frequency propagation loss under shallow-water conditions

An acoustical propagation model was developed to analyze high-frequency propagation loss under shallow-water conditions. The model is based on Gaussian ray bundles which are similar in form but somewhat simpler than Gaussian beams. After describing the approach, propagation loss predictions are compared with those of various ‘‘standard models’’ at lower frequencies where the latter models are accurate and efficient. If Gaussian ray bundles compare well at the lower frequencies, they should perform well at the higher frequencies as ray approximations improve.