Optimal Interference Signal for Masking an Acoustic Source

Abstract: In an environment where acoustic privacy or deliberate signal obfuscation is desired, it is necessary to mask the acoustic signature generated in essential operations. We consider the problem of masking the effect of an acoustic source in a target region where possible detection sensors are located. Masking is achieved by placing interference signals near the acoustic source. We introduce a theoretical and computational framework for designing such interference signals with the goal of minimizing the residual amplitude in the target region. For the three-dimensional (3D) forced wave equation with spherical symmetry, we derive analytical quasi-steady periodic solutions for several canonical cases. We examine the phenomenon of self-masking where an acoustic source with certain spatial forcing profile masks itself from detection outside its forcing footprint. We then use superposition of spherically symmetric solutions to investigate masking in a given target region. We analyze and optimize the performance of using one or two point-forces deployed near the acoustic source for masking in the target region. For the general case where the spatial forcing profile of the acoustic source lacks spherical symmetry, we develop an efficient numerical method for solving the 3D wave equation. Potential applications of this work include undersea acoustic communication security, undersea vehicles stealth, and protection against acoustic surveillance.