Scale model observations of coupled vertical modes in a translationally invariant wedge

Scale-model tank experiments offer a controlled environment in which to make underwater acoustic propagation measurements that can provide high-quality data for comparison with numerical models. This paper presents results from a scale model experiment for a translationally invariant wedge with a 10° slope fabricated from closed-cell polyurethane foam to investigate three-dimensional (3-D) propagation effects. A computer controlled positioning system accurately located a receiving hydrophone in 3-D space to create a dense field of synthetic vertical line arrays, which are subsequently used to mode filter the measured pressure field. The resulting mode amplitudes show the modal propagation zone, the modal shadow zone, and the classical intra-mode interference pattern resulting from rays launched up and along the slope. The observed features of the measured data are compared to three different propagation models: an exact, closed-form solution for a point source in wedge with pressure release boundaries, a 3-D ray trace model, and an adiabatic model. Examination of the mode amplitudes produced by the models reveals how the effects of vertical mode coupling can be observed in the measured data.