Transmitter Pattern Optimization by Conformal Antenna Shape Design

In this paper a constrainted numerical optimization is applied to design a sonar array with a low ripple and wide angle transmission characteristic. This is initially achieved by placing an odd number of transducer elements on a circle arc segment. While this initial approach benefits from a low number of optimization paramers it also limits the obtainable result. We further refine the setup by deviating from the strict circular shape by describing the radial component with a polynomial and hence achieving a significantly improved result with only minor additional expenditure. Finally the optimization results are verified by tank measurements showing great resemblance with the simulation.