A feedback control method for phase signal demodulation in fber-optic hydrophones

In the realm of acoustic signal detection,the identification of weak signals,particularly in the presence of negative signal-to-noise ratios,poses a significant challenge.This challenge is further heightened when signals are acquired through fiber-optic hydrophones,as these signals often lack physical significance and resist clear systematic modeling.Conventional processing methods,e.g.,low-pass filter(LPF),require a thorough understanding of the effective signal bandwidth for noise reduction,and may introduce undesirable time lags.This paper introduces an innovative feedback control method with dual Kalman filters for the demodulation of phase signals with noises in fiber-optic hydrophones.A mathematical model of the closed-loop system is established to guide the design of the feedback control,aiming to achieve a balance with the input phase signal.The dual Kalman filters are instrumental in mitigating the effects of signal noise,observation noise,and control execution noise,thereby enabling precise estimation for the input phase signals.The effectiveness of this feedback control method is demonstrated through examples,showcasing the restoration of low-noise signals,negative signal-to-noise ratio signals,and multi-frequency signals.This research contributes to the technical advancement of high-performance devices,including fiber-optic hydrophones and phase-locked amplifiers.

Testing an improved cymbal hydrophone

Cymbal hydrophones have small volume and high sensitivity, but their reception is not stable enough, and their reception is in too narrow a frequency band. In order to overcome these inadequacies, the structure of the cymbal hydrophone was improved. The single ceramic piezoelectric element was replaced with a double one, the radius of the ceramic piezoelectric element was reduced, and a parallel circuit was added. A static analysis of this new structure was developed, and then simulations were made of both the traditional and new hydrophone structure using finite element software. Tests were then conducted in a tank. The results showed that the improved hydrophone has reception in a wider frequency band, reception performance is stable within this frequency band, and sensitivity is still high.

A Bionic Fish Cilia Median-Low Frequency Three-Dimensional Piezoresistive MEMS Vector Hydrophone

A bionic fish cilia median-low frequency three-dimensional MEMS vector hydrophone is reported in this paper. The piezoresistive reasonable position was obtained through finite element analysis by ANSYS and the structure was formed by MEMS processes including lithography, ion implantation, PECVD and etching,etc. The standing wave barrel results show that the lowest sensitivity of the hydrophone is-200 d B and reach up to-160 d B(in which the voltage amplification factor is 300). It has a good frequency response characteristics in 25 Hz ～ 1500 Hz band. Directivity tests displayed that the hydrophone has a good "8"-shaped directivity,in which the resolution is not less than 30 d B, and asymmetry of the maximum axial sensitivity value is less than 1.2 d B.

Influence of array elements’ consistency on SNR of hydrophone array

The influence of array element’s consistency on the hydrophone array’s signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is studied. The consistency of array elements means the outputs of all the array’s elements are the same, that is to say, the outputs have the same phase and amplitude when their inputs are the same. The relationship between the SNR and the correlation coefficient of signal and the relationship between the SNR and the correlation coefficient of noise are given. Hydrophone array’s gain with the output of elements’ inconsistent phase and amplitude is analyzed theoretically. When the signal is single-frequency, the gain expression of two-elements array is deduced. Then the gain is calculated when the phase difference is 10° and the amplitude difference is 3 dB. The theoretical analysis is verified through simulation. The simulation results show the variation rule of array’s SNR when the consistency changes: the array SNR gain is greatly affected by the consistency of the elements’ output and the gain decreases as the consistency decreases and the gain may be negative when the amplitude response becomes worse.

Method for Measuring Self-noise of Vector Hydrophones

The Vector Hydrophone(VH) is widely used to remotely detect underwater targets. Accurately measuring the self-noise of the VH provides an important basis for evaluating the performance of the detection system in which it is utilized, since the ability to acquire weak signals is determined by the VH self-noise level. To accurately measure the VH self-noise level in actual working conditions, the Dual-channel Transfer Function Method(DTFM) is proposed to reduce ambient background noise interference. In this paper, the underlying principles of DTFM in reducing ambient background noise is analyzed. The numerical simulations to determine the influence of ambient background noise, and the sensitivity difference of the two VHs on the measurement results are studied. The results of measuring the VH self-noise level in a small laboratory water tank by using DTMF indicate that ambient background noise interference can be reduced effectively by employing DTMF, more accurate self-noise level can be obtained as well. The DTMF provides an effective method for accurately measuring the self-noise level of VHs and also provides technical support for the practical application of the VH in underwater acoustics.

A New Method for Matched Field Localization Based on Two-Hydrophone

The conventional matched field processing （MFP） uses large vertical arrays to locate an underwater acoustic target. However, the use of large vertical arrays increases equipment and computational cost, and causes some problems such as element failures, and array tilting to degrade the localization performance. In this paper, the matched field localization method using two-hydrophone is proposed for underwater acoustic pulse signals with an unknown emitted signal waveform. Using the received signal of hydrophones and the ocean channel pulse response which can be calculated from an acoustic propagation model, the spectral matrix of the emitted signal for different source locations can be estimated by employing the method of frequency domain least squares. The resulting spectral matrix of the emitted signal for every grid region is then multiplied by the ocean channel frequency response matrix to generate the spectral matrix of replica signal. Finally, the matched field localization using two-hydrophone for underwater acoustic pulse signals of an unknown emitted signal waveform can be estimated by comparing the difference between the spectral matrixes of the received signal and the replica signal. The simulated results from a shallow water environment for broadband signals demonstrate the significant locali- zation performance of the proposed method. In addition, the localization accuracy in five different cases are analyzed by the simulation trial, and the results show that the proposed method has a sharp peak and low sidelobes, overcoming the problem of high sidelobes in the conventional MFP due to lack of the number of elements.

Design and Benchmark Tests of a Multi-Channel Hydrophone Array System for Dolphin Echolocation Recordings

This paper describes in depth the design and application considerations of a computer based measurement system enabling 1 MS/s simultaneous sampling of 47 hydrophones for cross sectional recordings of echolocation beams of toothed whales (Odontocetes). An earlier prototype version of the system has previously only been presented as a brief proof of principle that did not offer a complete description of the software and hardware solution. Crucial hardware and software design considerations of the further developed system include the re-arm times of the burst mode sampling and the dual-core distributed execution of the software components. The rearm time was measured to 283 μs, using a 550 μs long sample window around each click. This enables burst mode sampling of clicks with an inter-click interval as short as 833 μs. It is shown through both synthetic benchmark tests of the system and through field measurements of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and a beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) that it is capable of acquiring, analyzing and visualizing data in run-time. It operates effectively also in highly reverberant surroundings like concrete pools and shallow waters. Burst mode sampling allows the system to block reflections with 0.3 - 0.5 m longer propagation paths than the direct path. It is suggested that the system’s compliance to reverberant recording sites makes it valuable in future dolphin echolocation studies.

An Improved Cymbal Hydrophone Made of Lanthanum-Modified Lead Zirconate Titanite

Lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanite （PLZT） piezoelectric ceramics has higher piezoelectric and dielectric properties compared with the common lead zirconate titanite （PZT） ceramics. These properties endue the cymbal hydrophones made of PLZT usually with stable performance but lower receiving sensitivity. In order to improve the sensitivity, through a static analysis on hydrophone we did some changes for the PLZT hydrophone by reducing the radius of the piezoelectric ceramics and sealing its boundary. Furthermore, ANSYS simulations were made, and the experiments for the improved PLZT hydrophone and the original one were carried out in water pool. The results show that the receiving sensitivity of the improved cymbal hydrophone made of PLZT is 3 -4 dB higher than that of the original, and that the frequency response still keeps flat within 18 kHz band.

Piezoelectrically Actuated Biomimetic Self-Contained Quadruped Bounding Robot

This paper presents the development of a mesoscale self-contained quadruped mobile robot that employs two pieces of piezocomposite actuators for the bounding locomotion.The design of the robot leg is inspired by legged insects and animals, and the biomimetic concept is implemented in the robot in a simplified form,such that each leg of the robot has only one degree of freedom.The lack of degree of freedom is compensated by a slope of the robot frame relative to the horizontal plane.For the implementation of the self-contained mobile robot,a small power supply circuit is designed and installed on the robot.Experimental results show that the robot can locomote at about 50 mm·s^(-1)with the circuit on board,which can be considered as a significant step toward the goal of building an autonomous legged robot actuated by piezoelectric actuators.

Low-radioactivity ultrasonic hydrophone used in positioning system for Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory

To satisfy the accurate positioning requirement of the calibration source in the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory, a Tonpilz-type hydrophone with low radioactivity and high electroacoustics is developed.The radioactivity of the proposed hydrophone is strictly controlled by selecting pure raw materials, especially active piezoelectric ceramics. The electroacoustic performance of the hydrophone is improved by making structural optimization. High sensitivity and aimed directivity are achieved using 33-mode piezoelectric ceramic rings arranged in series and improvement in the radiating head of the Tonpilz hydrophone, respectively. All electroacoustic performances are studied through finite element analyses.The simulations indicate that the electroacoustic performances of the hydrophones in linear alkylbenzene-based liquid scintillator can be approximately predicted according to the results in water because their differences caused by two types of acoustic media, water and liquid scintillator, are known. The tests show that the hydrophone prototype can achieve a maximum sensitivity of-209.3dB and a beamwidth of 132.2° at a frequency of 143 kHz.In addition, eight hydrophones only contributed to a background radioactivity level of 26 ± 4 mHz in the neutrino analysis.

Computer-Based Estimation of Spine Loading during Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Carriage

Firefighters’low back disorders(LBDs)are closely related to excessive spine loading when using the self-contained breathing apparatus(SCBA)continuously.The purpose of this study was to quantify firefighters’spine loading and evaluate the effects of strap lengths of SCBA on altering spine loading.Computer-based musculoskeletal models of three varying-strapped SCBA conditions and a control condition(CC)with no SCBA equipped were developed.The model was driven using three-dimensional(3 D)inertial motion capture data from twelve male subjects performing a walking task and the predicted ground reaction force(GRF).Electromyography(EMG)activities were also recorded to validate the results from the model.The 4 th-5 th lumbar vertebra(L4/L5)joint reaction forces,as well as erector spinae and rectus abdominis forces,were finally obtained.Results demonstrated that carrying SCBA significantly increased the compressive force and anteroposterior shear force at the spine.The risk of potential LBDs increased by about 17.77%.Dynamic balance of erector spinae and rectus abdominis contraction was also disturbed when carrying SCBA,indicating a higher risk of spine muscle strain.Adjustment of SCBA strap length was an efficient method to influence spine loading.The medium-fitting strap(MS)with a length of around 101 cm generated minimum joint reaction forces and achieved the optimum dynamic balance of spine muscle contraction,which was recommended for firefighters.

FBG Hydrophone: Theory and Experiment

A fiber Bragg grating （FBG） hydrophone with enhanced sensitivity is demonstrated. A novel piston-like diaphragm with a hard core fixed at the center is used as the sensing element. Theoretical analysis shows that the Young＇s modulus of the diaphragm and the radius of the hard core have significant effect on the pressure sensitivity. Experiments are carried out to test this effect and the performance of the hydrophone. The static measure- ment result is in good agreement with the theoretical result and an acoustic sensitivity of 7 nm/MPa has been achieved.

沉底式矢量水听器阵辐射噪声测量系统

矢量水听器可以同步共点测量声场的声压和振速的各正交分量,具有与频率无关的偶极子指向性,有益于小尺度矢量水听器阵获取较高空间增益和测量目标低频段低辐射噪声。该文依据安静型水下航行器低频段辐射噪声测量的需求,进行了矢量阵测量增益的理论分析和仿真计算,并结合小尺寸水下目标低辐射噪声测量实际应用,设计了一种刚性沉底式矢量水听器阵低频辐射噪声测量系统。该系统实现了水下目标辐射噪声数据的同步采集、存储和实时传输。在千岛湖对测量系统进行了性能初步测试,结果表明,湖试环境中,相同孔径下,其指向性和近场聚焦性能优于声压阵,具有更好的空间增益,预计在水下目标低频段辐射噪声测量实际工程应用中有明显优势。

基于一体化结构光纤加速度计的三维光纤矢量水听器

提出了一种基于一体化结构光纤加速度计的同振式三维光纤矢量水听器。利用质量–弹簧系统的一体化结构设计及其工作原理,研制了基于一体化结构的光纤加速度计。在此基础上,采用推挽式结构和6只光纤加速度计,设计制作了一只同振式三维光纤矢量水听器。利用驻波管比较法和差分延时外差解调技术进行测试,结果表明,该光纤矢量水听器在20~500 Hz频率范围有较平坦的加速度相移灵敏度频率响应。以X通道为例,其平均灵敏度为34.7 dB(re.1 rad/(m·s^(-2))),与声质点振动理论计算结果(36.5 dB)和有限元仿真结果(35.5 dB)接近。

单水听器强化学习无源自导方法

为降低水下无人自主航行器在搭载自导系统时对体积与成本的苛刻要求,提出了一种简便可行的无源自导方法,可仅使用单个声压水听器实现航行器对中心频率已知窄带声源目标的导引。该方法有效利用了航行器自身与目标间相对运动所产生的多普勒频移的变化,对航行器的追踪行为进行控制。基于强化学习Actor-Critic算法,利用实时获取的接收信号中心频率和信噪比参数构建价值函数,利用该函数输出的目标检测结果、目标方位角和中心频率变化率参数构建策略函数,结合历史动作,输出当前最优动作。通过仿真和湖试实验研究了该方法的训练效率以及目标跟踪性能。结果表明,所提无源自导方法可以方便地应用于水下无人平台,导引航行器对不同速度的声源目标进行较为精确的跟踪。

单矢量水听器的改进稀疏贝叶斯学习方位估计算法

复数稀疏贝叶斯学习(SBL)算法计算量大,为此将声能流与稀疏贝叶斯学习算法相结合,提出了基于单矢量水听器的声能流稀疏贝叶斯学习(SI-SBL)方位估计算法。该方法采用声能流取代声压振速信息作为观测量,将参数估计过程从复数域运算转化为实数域运算,同时利用声压通道噪声与振速噪声不相关的特点实现了噪声抑制,进一步加快了稀疏贝叶斯学习算法收敛速度,使SI-SBL算法获得相比以声压振速通道作为观测量的SBL算法更高的估计精度和尖锐的谱峰。仿真数据表明,单矢量水听器SI-SBL算法相比于SBL算法具有更高的精度和更快的计算速度。实验数据验证,SI-SBL算法相比SBL精度提高了25%,运算速度提高了8倍,证明了本文所提SI-SBL算法应用于水平方位估计的可行性。

基于复合标矢量一体水听器的微型声呐浮标设计

本文设计了一种基于复合标矢量一体水听器技术的微型声呐浮标,主要针对海洋水声监测与采集以及水下目标探测。该浮标以现场可编程门阵列(FPGA)为控制核心,具有小型化、大容量采集存储、可远程无线控制、较高的可用性和易于部署等特点。利用水听器捕获多路数据,并结合惯性导航模块采集到的位置和姿态数据,实现了多元数据的综合记录。系统内置电源与无线传输模块可保证在复杂的海洋环境中值守80h以上,并克服传统浮标的线缆干扰和限制,使其不受距离和环境条件束缚。通过水库实验证明:该浮标性能稳定且可靠,依托其采集并利用无线回传的数据,对声源目标进行方位角估计,与GPS实际数据对比,其误差小于5°。

九轴MEMS微型AHRS设计及其在矢量水听器中的应用

为了精确测量矢量水听器的姿态,设计了一种体积为20 mm×20 mm×5 mm、重量为1.8 g的微型航姿参考系统(AHRS)。利用微机电系统(MEMS)陀螺仪测定角速度,用四元数等效旋转矢量算法求解姿态角;采用扩展卡尔曼滤波器对姿态角估计值进行修正,并估计出MEMS陀螺仪的角速度漂移量。测试结果表明,所提AHRS的俯仰、横滚和航向角误差均方根值分别为0.04°、0.04°和0.34°。最后,将AHRS集成到矢量水听器中,并在加窗直方图统计波达方向估计算法中加入姿态修正。海上实验结果表明,对于航速为8 kn的目标船,经AHRS修正后的单矢量水听器方位角误差均方根值约为3.8°,减小了平台运动导致的方位测量误差。

波浪滑翔器声通机椭圆导流罩减阻性能分析

针对波浪滑翔器声通机载荷减阻问题,设计水声通信机导流罩,并采用流体力学软件分析确定其设计参数;在直航状态下,仿真得到椭圆导流罩最优轴长比;然后在虚拟锚泊状态下优化其前缘长度;最后通过海上试验验证仿真可靠性。结果表明:相比于圆柱形外形,本文提出的导流罩的截面轴长比为3时,导流罩具有最佳减阻效果;在直线和虚拟锚泊运动时分别减阻82.2%和54%。该研究可为低速(雷诺数为3×10^(5))水声通信机导流罩设计和优化提供参考和借鉴。

基于分子群改进海象优化算法的矢量水听器宽带信号DOA估计

针对矢量水听器阵列宽带信号波达方向(DOA)估计中存在误差大,求解精度不高等问题,提出一种将分子群改进的海象优化算法(MGIWaOA)与极大似然(ML)估计算法相结合的宽带信号估计方法。首先利用信号子空间变换算法构建聚焦矩阵,将宽带信号转换为窄带信号,然后建立基于ML的DOA估计模型,再通过MGIWaOA进行优化估计。仿真结果表明,该算法比海象优化算法、正弦余弦算法、麻雀优化算法、差分进化算法、遗传算法、粒子群算法的ML估计方法具有更快的收敛速度、更低的均方根误差和更稳健的性能。