EXPLOSIVE SOUND- SOURCE STANDARDS 



M. S. Weinstein 

 Underwater Systems, Inc. 

 Silver Spring, Maryland 



The desired accuracy of low-frequency transmission -loss 

 calculations based on experimental data using explosive 

 sound sources is plus or minus one decibel. Factors in- 

 volved in determining transmission loss include uncer- 

 tainties in source level, background noise, and process- 

 ing procedures. Data are presented to illustrate the 

 quantitative effect of these factors. 



While the desired accuracy has not yet been universally 

 achieved, errors may be minimized through the use of 

 certain standards concerning source-level monitoring and 

 data-processing procedures. 



INTRODUCTION 



The factors involved in propagation-loss determinations using 

 explosive sources include : 



• The desired accuracy 



• The achievable accuracy, stressing the uncertainty 

 in the source level, the effect of background noise, 

 and processing procedures 



• The information which should be included in technical 

 reports to permit comparison of data obtained and 

 published by different organizations. 



DESIRED ACCURACY 



The first point to consider is the desired accuracy. Our goal 

 is about one decibel. This statement usually generates immediate 

 concern, since it has yet to be achieved. There may be basic 



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