Design of Conformal Cymbal Array with High Source Level

Based on an unmanned underwater vehicle, a conformal array design with integrated transmit-receive functionality was studied, employing Cymbal transducers as elements. It can be used for underwater active detection. The acoustic performance of the Cymbal transducer element was obtained using finite element method, and the directional characteristics of the array in both transmitting and receiving modes were analyzed based on directivity calculations. By adjusting the spacing between elements, the grating lobe was directed towards the target, significantly enhancing the source level in the forward direction of the conformal array. Furthermore, by grouping and selecting the elements, the system was able to meet the different requirements in both transmitting and receiving modes.