LINEAR PROPAGATION OF A PULSED SOUND BEAM FROM A PLANE OR FOCUSING SOURCE

The linear propagation of a pulsed sound beam generated by a sound source of finite extent in a homogeneous fluid is considered. The investigation is based on the linear approximation of the Khokhlov-Zabolotskaya-Kuznetsov parabolic equation, the validity of which is discussed by comparison with the solution of the wave equation. The effects of diffraction, and absorption on the waveform are discussed and illustrated through numerical examples. A new parametrization for the effect of absorption on pulsed sound beams is introduced and shown convenient. Special emphasis is devoted to focused sound beams.