Enhanced Pulsed-Source Localization with 3 Hydrophones: Uncertainty Estimates

The uncertainty behavior of an enhanced three-dimensional (3D) localization scheme for pulsed sources based on relative travel times at a large-aperture three-hydrophone array is studied. extension two-hydrophone approach time differences between direct and surface-reflected arrivals, with significant advantages, but also drawbacks, such as left-right ambiguity, high range/depth uncertainties broadside sources, bearing endfire sources. These drawbacks can be removed by adding third hydrophone. 3D problem separated into two, estimation problem, which only the hydrophone depths are needed, if geometry in horizontal known well. refraction acoustic paths taken account using ray theory. condition existence arrivals relaxed considering upper turning point, allowing longer ranges. A Bayesian framework adopted, uncertainties. Uncertainty estimates obtained through analytic predictions simulations they compared against well two-dimensional that arrivals.