Abstract:
Visualization in underwater acoustics is a relatively new field, with a peculiar set of promises and pitfalls. Advanced computer graphics can provide insight into physical processes, but only if the tools are simple and flexible enough to provide `on the fly' visualization as the research is being done. Furthermore, `reality checks' against standard benchmark solutions must be performed at every opportunity. Here, examples are presented of utilitarian visualization for time-domain sound propagation, how these are checked against reference solutions, as well as some interesting cases where these checks were not made. [Work supported by ONR.]