In-water SONAR shell transmitter simulation using a coupled FE-BE method

This article describes the application of a coupled finite element-boundary element method to obtain the steady-state response of a sonar transducer. The particular structure considered is a flooded piezoelectric spherical shell. The sonar shell is simulated to be driven by electrical charges applied onto inner and outer surfaces of the shell. It is shown that at relatively low input frequency a beam pattern which is almost close to omnidirection can be obtained. The coupled FE-BE method is described in detail.