# US 8,543,342 B1 · Towed array flow noise test apparatus

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- Number: US 8,543,342 B1
- Document ID: US8543342B1
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B1
- Application number: 12/894,686
- Filed: 2010-09-30
- Granted: 2013-09-24
- Earliest claimed: 2010-09-30
- Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
- Applicants: William L. Keith; Jeff Dusek
- Inventors: William L. Keith; Jeff Dusek
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8543342B1

## CPC

- G01N 29/00: Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object (G01N3/00 - G01N27/00 take precedence)
- G01V 1/20: Arrangements of receiving elements, e.g. geophone pattern
- G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q)
- G01V: GEOPHYSICS; GRAVITATIONAL MEASUREMENTS; DETECTING MASSES OR OBJECTS; TAGS (means for indicating the location of accidentally buried, e.g. snow-buried, persons A63B29/02)

## Abstract

An apparatus is provided to directly measure the flow noise characteristics of both acoustic sensors and accelerometers mounted in a towed array hose. Sensors can be mounted in a full-scale diameter array module test apparatus and can be subjected to high Reynolds number flow fields that have the physical features of at-sea towing conditions. Additionally, rapid re-design of sensor mountings, hose materials, and actual sensors can be accomplished and evaluated. The parameters of internal tension and flow speed can vary independently in order to determine their importance.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A towed array flow noise test apparatus operable with a water flow test facility having a circular main flow channel with an aperture defined in a longitudinal wall thereof, said apparatus comprising:
an enclosure longitudinally adjacent the circular main flow channel and in fluid communication with a flow having a flow velocity in the main flow channel via the aperture;
a tensioning apparatus comprising a load cell with said tensioning apparatus having a distal end in fixed relation to a first end of said enclosure;
a hose module faired within said enclosure, said hose module having one end held in fixed relation to a second end of said enclosure, and a second end of said hose module in communication with a proximal end of said tensioning apparatus, said tensioning apparatus configured to apply a tension to said hose module; and
at least one sensor situated within said hose module, said at least one sensor having at least one sensor output terminal configured to provide a signal representative of a value measured by said sensor;
wherein said test apparatus is configured to provide outputs from the sensors while changes in the flow velocity in the main channel vary from 1 meter per second to 15.5 meters per second;
wherein said apparatus is configured to control the applied tension independently of the flow velocity in the main channel.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The towed array flow noise test apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor is at least eight sensors, and said test apparatus is configured to provide a direct measurement of a wavenumber-frequency spectrum.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The towed array flow noise test apparatus of claim 1, wherein said hose module is configured to respond to a turbulent wall pressure, a mean wall shear stress, and a turbulent wall shear stress.