Underwater Acoustics

This chapter provides a basic understanding and overview of the critical factors controlling underwater radiated noise from commercial vessels. The most prominent acoustic sources are the propulsors, propulsion-drive equipment, pumps and piping systems, compressors, and wave-hull interaction. Next is consideration of the operating conditions – low or high speed, sea state, equipment line-up, and physical size and location of the equipment. Finally, for high-speed craft, additional sources are flow/turbulence over the hull and appendages, and possibly underwater exhaust. For research and naval vessels, sea-connected systems may be of importance. Underwater vehicles have a slightly different set of sources and transmission paths.