Real time acquisition and frequency domain analysis of acoustic patterns of fluids for applications in the field of homeland security

Abstract

This paper investigates acoustic patterns generated by different liquids in real time based on spectral analysis technique which finds a lot of relevance in various fields related to defense and homeland security. Some of the drawbacks with existing techniques include limitations with acquisition of well defined patterns for various liquids. To overcome these limitations, this paper describes a technique which involves generation of a single frequency tone in MATLAB with the help of a program and passing that signal through the liquid and then further capturing and analyzing the received signal using a virtual spectrum analyzer. Piezoelectric sensors are used for transmission and receiving the tone through the fluid. The arrangement discussed successfully captures acoustic patterns in non destructive way for five different liquids/solutions by exciting them with various single frequency tones. Thus a low cost system that exhibits consistency in results and can quickly acquire specific acoustic patterns for various fluids is developed that also facilitates easy-to-interpret measurement results.