Simulation Model to Solve the Forward Problem in Acoustic Reflectometry

The forward problem provides the response of a system combining computational models and assuming the correct boundary conditions. The importance of analyzing the response of a system for different situations consist of reducing costs, understanding the physical phenomena, finding undesired frequency content, and predicting, with an appropriate resolution, physical properties from the system. This work shows a scenario to define the process in a simulation model which solves the forward problem in acoustic reflectometry. Ideal conditions were assumed in the wave propagation to predict the reflected acoustic wave of a step cylindrical cavity when it is impacted by an incident acoustic wave. Three signals with different frequencies were predicted by the simulation model. An acoustic reflectometer was used to generate and propagate acoustic waves into a step cylindrical cavity. A comparison between predicted and experimental wave propagations shows a good resolution in shape, but not in amplitude. It is a consequence of the attenuation generated by the wave propagation along the source tube. However, it is possible of using this simulation model to characterize losses as function of frequency.