Simplified Target Strength Analysis Procedure of an Underwater Vehicle Considering Target Strength Absorbing Materials
, Dae-Seung Cho 1,3, Sung-Ju Park 4,5, Kyungjun Song 2,*, Yun-ho Shin 1,3,5,* and Kookhyun Kim 5,6,*Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsTarget strength (TS) is an important factor in underwater stealth technology. Many studies focus on reducing target strength to minimize the probability of detection. However, there are many factors affecting target strength, such as vehicle geometry and structure, acoustic reflection coefficients, outer hull coating material, etc. In this paper, the acoustic characteristics of target strength absorbing materials (TSAMs) are analyzed, and then a simplified TS analysis procedure considering TSAMs is proposed. Using two methods, the equivalent material properties of TSAMs for a multilayer acoustic absorbing structure are evaluated. The paper has practical significance for improving the stealth performance of submarines. The title of the paper and the Abstract reveal the essence of the study.
However, there are observations.
1. The literature review needs to analyze the new TS analysis methods.
2. The structure of the multilayer package in Figure 3 needs to be explained.
3. Is the proposed approach generic or is it suitable for certain material structures?
4. It is necessary to specify what software was used for calculations by formulas (25) - (34) and how the convergence of the problem solution was checked.
Once these questions are clarified, the paper can be accepted for publication.
Comments for author File: 
Comments.pdf
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsDear authors,
I have studied your article in detail with interest, and I have no major comments regarding its content.
The article is also of a good standard in terms of formal processing, only some minor items need to be adjusted according to the template requirements:
- The writing of references in the text should be adjusted according to the template.
- In some equations, e.g. (34) and (35), some symbols are "deformed", perhaps this is caused by the conversion from Word to .pdf. I recommend checking this.
- The article does not list the contributions of the authors, which is required by the template.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis paper proposes a simplified methodology for target strength (TS) analysis of underwater vehicles, integrating the acoustic performance of target strength absorbing materials (TSAMs). The study leverages the transfer matrix method (TMM) and the 4-microphone method (4MM) to evaluate TSAMs acoustic properties, using the Benchmark Target Strength Simulation (BeTSSi) model to validate the proposed approach. By analyzing TS reductions due to TSAMs applied to submarine surfaces, the authors demonstrate a computationally efficient framework suitable for real-world applications.
The focus on TS to enhance underwater vehicle stealth is timely and relevant, addressing critical needs in naval defense technologies.
The study incorporates both TMM and 4MM to validate acoustic property evaluations, enhancing methodological rigor.
The use of the BeTSSi model ensures applicability to standard submarine geometries, improving the practical relevance of the results.
TMM computational efficiency is convincingly demonstrated, making it a practical choice for large-scale applications.
Cross-validation between TMM and 4MM provides more validity to the acoustic property evaluation methods.
The paper is well-structured, with logical progression from problem definition, methodology, and validation to results and conclusions.
The impact of potential errors in TSAM property measurements on overall TS reduction is not sufficiently discussed.
Figures, while illustrative, could benefit from more descriptive captions to enhance clarity.
Please comments the following points:
1) Investigate the effects of material property variations and environmental factors, such as temperature and salinity, on TS reduction.
2) Consider more complex inner and outer structure geometries to reflect realistic submarine designs.
Please check the equations; there is some misprinting.
The paper presents a significant advancement in TS analysis for underwater vehicles, offering a simplified, efficient, and validated methodology. With experimental validation and expanded analysis of real-world complexities, this study could become a reference for designing stealth-enhanced underwater vehicles.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
