Time-dependent multipath modeling for underwater acoustic wave propagation in shallow water

A novel acoustic wave propagation model has been developed to determine the effects of the ocean variations on the acoustic propagation field, and to determine the signal measured by a receiver at any distance from an omnidirectional source. The model accounts for environmental conditions. First, a stationary estimate of the complex sound attenuation is computed as a function of frequency and location, using the parabolic equation numerical technique. For a given range, the vertical profile of the attenuation frequency spectrum is decomposed in the wave number domain. A specific Doppler shift is associated with each wave number. The space-frequency attenuation filter obtained is applied to the transmitted signal to create time-frequency selective fading. This model has been used to simulate the performance of the General Purpose Acoustic Modem, which transmits MFSK modulated sequences between 15.6 kHz to 32.1 kHz. The range of operation varies from 1 to 5 km, in 15 meters of water. Experimental data have been collected under sea-state 2 conditions. The model has been successfully validated when compared to experimental data and to the Crepeau model.