Kirchhoff Approximations for the Forward-Scattering Target Strength of Underwater Objects

Kirchhoff approximations for the forward-scattering target strength of underwater objects are developed by combining Babinet's principle and the Kirchhoff integral, where theoretical formulations and a numerical implementation are given in detail. The Kirchhoff approximation is found to be a high-frequency physical acoustic approximation. The forward-scattering target strength versus frequency and the spatial angles for spherical objects, prolate spheroids and the Benchmark Target Strength Simulation Submarine (BeTSSi-Sub) model are obtained by the Kirchhoff approximation and compared with results from theory, the deformed cylinder method (DCM) and the boundary element method (BEM). The Kirchhoff approximation shows considerable agreement with the theoretical and numerical approaches in a region of +/-20 degrees from the rigorous forward-scattering direction. The forward-scattered field contour and the corresponding directivity for the BeTSSi-Sub model are also calculated as a demonstration. Mode coupling caused by the simulated target is clearly revealed. The results indicate that the Kirchhoff approximation can predict the forward-scattering target strength of complex underwater objects.