Research on the acoustic field characteristics in the sonar platform area based on novel acoustic black hole barrier panels

Abstract

This study addresses the problem that ship bow's sonar platform is susceptible to interference from propeller noise, mechanical noise, and flow-induced vibration noise of the sonar dome. A novel sound barrier structure based on the Acoustic Black Hole (ABH) effect is proposed and validated. A simplified model of the sonar platform area was established in modeling software, followed by finite element acoustic field simulation. The sound insulation and noise reduction performance of the new and traditional acoustic barriers was compared under two operating conditions: passive detection (diffuse incident mechanical noise) and active detection (phased array directional sound source). Results indicate that the novel acoustic barrier achieves higher sound transmission loss (STL) across the 200-5000Hz frequency range, with peak values of 27 dB in passive mode and 35 dB in active mode, significantly reducing background noise around the sonar array base. In active detection mode, it further enhances directional characteristics of sound pressure levels, minimizes reflection interference from non-target directions, and consequently improves detection accuracy. The study verifies the barrier's excellent sound absorption and insulation, providing theoretical and engineering references for acoustic optimization of ship sonar platforms.