Abstract:

In a range-dependent environment, it is of interest to determine the way in which energy or flux proceeds in range. In the normal mode paradigm of propagation, it is possible to trace the energy flow according to specific modes. For a stratified environment there is no mechanism to alter the energy in each mode. It remains the same as long as the environment is range independent. However, for the range-dependent case, for which the coupled mode theory is adequate, it is possible to derive ``coupled mode amplitudes.'' The amplitude structure may be then studied in range to determine the manner in which energy traverses in the waveguide. This work illustrates what is meant by mode coupling amplitudes and the interpretative value in which the variation of these quantities in range adds insight in understanding a variety of mechanisms that alter or cause energy to proceed in a specific manner. [Work sponsored by ONR, the Naval Research Laboratory, and the University of New Orleans.]