High Power Continuous Duty Transducers Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Topic No.: N091-083 Topic Title: High Power Continuous Duty Transducers Proposal No.: N091-083-1254 Firm: Image Acoustics, Inc. 97 Elm Street Cohasset, Massachusetts 02025 Contact: John Butler Phone: (781) 383-2002 Web Site: imageacoustics.com Abstract: There is a need to develop a high power continuous duty, CW, underwater acoustic transducer. Under these operating conditions, transducer heating and fatigue can be the limiting factors in the performance. We propose to investigate these factors, compare two different low frequency transducer designs and determine which one would be best suited for a specific CW system. Although there are current CW sonar systems, such as FM sonar, we will be addressing a new anti- terrorist underwater CW acoustic system. During the Phase I program we will consider thermal conditions and fatigue models on the two specific designs and means for incorporating heat extraction paths. A choice will be made on which transducer is most appropriate for a scaled experimental model which will be fabricated, tested in-air and tested in-water for acoustic and heat performance during the option. After design optimization and FEA heat and fatigue analysis, a full sized transducer and small array would be fabricated for full testing during a possible Phase II program. We propose a program for the development of a practical CW transducer designed for the above intended applications. Benefits: The development of this CW operational transducer system should have application to oceanographic research and FM sonar. Return