Fluctuations in acoustic parameters and their effects on sonar system design

Viewed an an acoustics communication channel, the ocean medium can be characterized as having certain mean and fluctuating properties. All of the parameters important to sonar system design exhibit fluctuations of considerable magnitude. This paper will present evidence from the real world of ocean measurements which will indicate the fluctuating properties of the medium. The effects of these fluctuations will be traced into the sonar system design world, illustrating by example some of tile limitations imposed by the fluctuating medium on sonar system design and resulting performance.