Gregory J. Orris

Sonic gradient index lens for aqueous applications

We study the acoustic scattering properties of a phononic crystal designed to behave as a gradient index lens in water, both experimentally and theoretically. The gradient index lens is designed using a square lattice of stainless-steel cylinders based on a multiple scattering approach in the homogenization limit. We experimentally demonstrate that the lens follows the graded index equations derived for optics by mapping the pressure intensity generated from a spherical source at 20 kHz. We find good agreement between the experimental result and theoretical modeling based on multiple scattering theory.

Highly anisotropic elements for acoustic pentamode applications.

Pentamode metamaterials are a class of acoustic metafluids that are characterized by a divergence free modified stress tensor. Such materials have an unconventional anisotropic stiffness and isotropic mass density, which allow themselves to mimic other fluid domains. Here we present a pentamode design formed by an oblique honeycomb lattice and producing customizable anisotropic properties. It is shown that anisotropy in the stiffness can exceed 3 orders of magnitude, and that it can be realistically tailored for transformation acoustic applications.

The matched-phase coherent multi-frequency matched-field processor

Coherent multi-frequency matched-field processing is investigated using a matched-phase coherent matched-field processor. Its main difference from previous coherent processors is that the relative phases of the Fourier components contained within the recorded signal are not assumed to be known a priori. Rather they are considered free parameters that can be determined using a global functional minimization algorithm. Additionally, this processor uses only the cross-frequency terms, making it less susceptible to the detrimental effects of ambient noise; in one example, this processor shows a five decibel improvement over a similar coherent processor. Along with its increased sensitivity with respect to the broadcast source levels, this coherent processor exhibits superior range resolution as compared with multi-frequency incoherent processors, due to the cross-frequency interference of the vertical eigenmodes. Within this work we explore the efficacy of the algorithms used to determine the relative phases along with the performance of the matched-phase coherent processor itself, performed within the context of data collected during an event from the SWellEx-96 experiment. Performance comparisons between this processor, an incoherent processor, and another coherent processor are demonstrated using this data set.

Underwater acoustic omnidirectional absorber

Gradient index media, which are designed by varying local element properties in given geometry, have been utilized to manipulate acoustic waves for a variety of devices. This study presents a cylindrical, two-dimensional acoustic “black hole” design that functions as an omnidirectional absorber for underwater applications. The design features a metamaterial shell that focuses acoustic energy into the shells core. Multiple scattering theory was used to design layers of rubber cylinders with varying filling fractions to produce a linearly graded sound speed profile through the structure. Measured pressure intensity agreed with predicted results over a range of frequencies within the homogenization limit.

Experimental realization of a variable index transmission line metamaterial as an acoustic leaky-wave antenna

Development and experimental realization of an acoustic leaky wave antenna are presented. The antenna uses a one-dimensional composite right/left hand transmission line approach to tune radiation angle continually from backfire-to-endfire, including broadside, as a function of input frequency. An array of acoustically loaded membranes and open channels form a structure with negative, zero, or positive refractive index, depending on excitation frequency. The fast-wave radiation band of the antenna is determined using acoustic circuit analysis. Based on the designs specified by circuit and finite element analysis, an acoustic leaky wave antenna was fabricated, and the radiation direction measured at discrete frequencies.

Collective oscillations of fresh and salt water bubble plumes

Bubble plumes of various void fractions and sizes were produced by varying the flow velocity of a water jet impinging normally on a water surface. The bubbles entrained at the surface were carried downwards by the fluid flow to depths ranging from 33 to 65 cm, and formed roughly cylindrical plumes with diameters ranging from 12 to 27 cm. The acoustic emissions from the plumes were recorded onto digital audio tape using a hydrophone placed outside the cloud at distances ranging from 50 cm to 16.0 m. Closeup video images of the individual bubbles within the plume were also taken in order to gain knowledge of the bubble size distributions. The experiments were performed in both fresh-water and salt-water environments. The fresh-water clouds emitted sounds with a modal structure that was significantly different from that produced by the salt-water clouds. Furthermore, the smaller bubbles present in the salt-water clouds have a fundamental effect on the amplification of turbulence noise, generating sound at significant levels for frequencies up to several hundred Hertz.

Experimental Demonstration of Underwater Acoustic Scattering Cancellation.

We explore an acoustic scattering cancellation shell for buoyant hollow cylinders submersed in a water background. A thin, low-shear, elastic coating is used to cancel the monopole scattering from an air-filled, neutrally buoyant steel shell for all frequencies where the wavelength is larger than the object diameter. By design, the uncoated shell also has an effective density close to the aqueous background, independently canceling its dipole scattering. Due to the significantly reduced monopole and dipole scattering, the compliant coating results in a hollow cylindrical inclusion that is simultaneously impedance and sound speed matched to the water background. We demonstrate the proposed cancellation method with a specific case, using an array of hollow steel cylinders coated with thin silicone rubber shells. These experimental results are matched to finite element modeling predictions, confirming the scattering reduction. Additional calculations explore the optimization of the silicone coating properties. Using this approach, it is found that scattering cross-sections can be reduced by 20 dB for all wavelengths up to k0a = 0.85.

Designing acoustic transformation devices using fluid homogenization of an elastic substructure

The design of devices using finite embedded coordinate transformations presents an unique approach to control acoustic waves. Though combining the use of conformal mappings may provide a pathway to more realizable material properties, many device geometries still require combinations of density and sound speed which are unavailable in isotropic materials. Here, we present a design strategy based on a multiple scattering homogenization method to approximate the unique values required within such a device. We apply the method, using full-wave simulations, to the design of an aqueous cylindrical-to-plane wave lens, which can be constructed from simple materials.

Acoustical scattering by arrays of cylinders in waveguides

Multiple scattering of acoustic waves in a planar horizontal waveguide by finite-length cylinders is considered. Cylinder height equals the waveguide depth, and both are vertically constrained by the pressure-release boundaries. An analytically exact solution is obtained via normal mode expansion method in conjunction with the concept of the T matrix. The problem is decomposed into an infinite number of two-dimensional multiple scattering problems, modulated by waveguide mode shapes. Examples are presented for an isovelocity waveguide in which the medium is uniform and the waveguide depth is constant. It is found that, in numerical computations, including one or two evanescent modes captures the essence of the evanescent modes. Multiple scattering in the waveguide is compared with the corresponding two-dimensional case. It is concluded that, in low frequencies, the wave patterns in the two cases are very similar, with a shift in the frequency. The similarity diminishes when there are multiple propagating modes. Despite the mode mixing, some key features in the scattering as observed in the two-dimensional problem remain observable in the waveguide case.

Generation of topologically diverse acoustic vortex beams using a compact metamaterial aperture

Here, we present a class of metamaterial-based acoustic vortex generators which are both geometrically simple and broadly tunable. The aperture overcomes the significant limitations of both active phasing systems and existing passive coded apertures. The metamaterial approach generates topologically diverse acoustic vortex waves motivated by recent advances in leaky wave antennas by wrapping the antenna back upon itself to produce an acoustic vortex wave antenna. We demonstrate both experimentally and analytically that this single analog structure is capable of creating multiple orthogonal orbital angular momentum modes using only a single transducer. The metamaterial design makes the aperture compact, with a diameter nearly equal to the excitation wavelength and can thus be easily integrated into high-density systems. Applications range from acoustic communications for high bit-rate multiplexing to biomedical devices such as microfluidic mixers.