ASA 127th Meeting M.I.T. 1994 June 6-10

3pUW14. Acoustic backscatter analysis from a smooth sand surface.

Nicholas P. Chotiros

Julia Laughlin

Appl. Res. Labs., Univ. of Texas at Austin, P.O. Box 8029, Austin, TX 78713-8029

Existing theories describing backscattering behavior from smooth water-filled sands were reviewed. Currently only single-scatter theories have been employed to describe the grazing angle and frequency dependence of backscattering on smooth surfaces. A comparison of the existing backscattering models to experimental results was then conducted. Of particular interest was the dependence of backscattering strength on grazing angle and frequency. Due to the simplistic nature of single-scattering theory, analysis of theoretical versus experimental data led to many discrepancies. In an effort to more accurately describe backscatter behavior in water-filled sands, alternative scattering theories were explored. [Work supported by ONR.]