Practical method for parametric array source evaluation at 120 kHz frequency range in the near-field region

A parametric array is a non-linear conversion process that can generate a narrow beam of low-frequency sound with a small aperture. One of the challenging issues with a parametric array is precise measurement of the sound field generated. In particular, near the transducer, it is not easy to measure the sound field generated by a parametric array precisely, because the amplitude of the difference frequency wave is much lower than the amplitude of the primary wave. In this study, the practical issues that should be considered in the design of near-distance experiments with a parametric array are examined. Limiting effects were examined, and their associated characteristics were identified by numerical simulations. Experiments were performed in a water tank (18 x 12 x 10 m) to assess these characteristics, using a custom-designed acoustic filter; the beam pattern and propagation curve of the difference frequency wave generated by the parametric array were measured and compared with simulated data.