Abstract
This paper proposes a virtual underwater acoustic model that characterises the propagation properties and changes of underwater acoustic signals produced by marine energy devices. This model uses actual recorded sound data (low frequencies) emitted by similar devices, as an input to produce output data similar to those emitted by actual marine energy devices. Modelling of the acoustic domain is carried out using the acoustic module of a finite element analysis (FEA) solver and simulation software. Utilizing the FEA method, the movement of sound signals in the solid and fluid domains are modelled with different boundary conditions. The response of the propagation of acoustic signals resulting from variation in environmental changes such as source-receiver distances, depth and acoustic domain physical properties are analysed. Other factors considered for the modelling include: the bathymetry (an underwater terrain feature) of the deployment site, propagation media properties, spreading type of the acoustic signal, interaction of the acoustic signal with the surface and bottom interfaces, and the attenuation of the sound signals over different distances. These results are compared to actual recorded experimental data values from similar marine devices acquired from our previous study. The correlation of the simulation results to experimental results will be highlighted and their differences addressed. This proposed model may be used to assess the impact of sound signals produced by marine energy devices on the enviroment and could potentially help create policies to inform legislation.
Author Information
Oshoke Ikpekha, Dublin City University, Ireland
Stephen Daniels, Dublin City University, Ireland
Paper Information
Conference: ACSEE2015
Stream: Energy: Renewable Energy and Environmental Solutions
This paper is part of the ACSEE2015 Conference Proceedings (View)
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