Very Low Frequency (VLF) Transducer Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Topic No.: N103-223 Topic Title: Very Low Frequency (VLF) Transducer Proposal No.: N103-223-0350 Firm: Image Acoustics, Inc. 97 Elm Street Cohasset, Massachusetts 02025 Contact: John Butler Phone: (781) 383-2002 Web Site: imageacoustics.com Abstract: This SBIR Proposal addresses the need for a Very Low Frequency (VLF) transducer "capable of providing continuous wave (CW) output of simultaneous narrowband tones and broadband noise in a frequency band from 1 kHz down 10 Hz at output levels not less than 150 dB over the entire operating spectrum of the transducer." The current design is hydro-acoustic based and does not appear to fully meet the requirements. Our proposed design is piezoelectric based, does not require external pressurization and does not produce noise during standby operation. The design presented here appears to be unique and is shown to meet the desired source level requirements through a 3-D finite element model. A program is presented for further analysis and improvements during a Phase I effort. Benefits: The resulting VLF transducer could be used in tomography, oil exploration and possibly commercial fishing. It may also have sonar or active surveillance application. Return