Vibrator source array beam-forming and method

A method for finding a best distribution of source elements that form a vibratory source array, the method comprising:

• inputting plural constraints for the source elements;
• generating plural distributions of the source elements that fulfill the plural constraints;
• calculating for each distribution a performance index characterizing the source array;
• and
• selecting the best distribution from the plural distributions based on a value of the performance index,
• wherein the performance index is related to a mean value of a total far-field output of the source array in angle φ direction, averaged over an azimuth angle range α1<θ<α2 using beam form filters G that maximize an average output of the source array over the azimuth angle range in the φ direction at discrete frequency ω.

A computing device configured to find a best distribution of source elements that form a vibratory source array, the computing device comprising:

• an interface configured to receive plural constraints for the source elements;
• and
• a processor connected to the interface and configured to,
• generate plural distributions of the source elements that fulfill the plural constraints;
• calculate for each distribution a performance index characterizing the source array;
• and
• select the best distribution from the plural distributions based on a value of the performance index.