A comparison of underwater acoustic performance of piezoelectric ceramic based cymbal projectors

Summary form only given. The U.S. Navy is investigating cymbal-based projector panels for consideration of use on autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Depending upon their configuration, they can be formed into thin panels that can cover low frequencies or extended frequency bands. A recent study compared different piezoceramic based cymbals placed into an oil-filled matrix. This study examined the acoustic performance of 0.5" diameter disks of PZT-4, PZT-5H and PZT-5A cymbals as well as 0.75" PZT-5H disks. The cymbals are class V flextensional designs with titanium caps. This presentation reviews the designs, configurations, in-air and in-water acoustic performance.