Low-frequency acoustic propagation in high winds

Abstract

The effect of refraction due to wind gradients on low-frequency acoustic signals over large propagation distances is considered. The results of an investigation of low-frequency propagation in high winds are presented and compared to normal mode theory for the downwind propagation case. In the downwind direction, the low-frequency signal was channeled close to the ground resulting in a divergence of 3 dB per doubling of propagation distance. Predictions of both ray tracing and normal mode theoretical models supported the downwind cylindrical spreading. In effect, the low-frequency noise signals propagate further in the presence of wind in the downwind direction. No low-frequency acoustic shadow zone was observed in the upwind direction.