Author Date

2026-08-28

Degree Name

Department

Physics and Astronomy

College

Computational, Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Defense Date

2026-09-10

Publication Date

2026-09-16

First Faculty Advisor

Dr. Tracianne B. Neilsen

First Faculty Reader

Dr. Brian Anderson

Honors Coordinator

Dr. Karine Chesnel

Keywords

Acoustics, Source Directivity, Hydrophones, Underwater Acoustics, Robotic Process Automation, Physics

Abstract

This thesis describes the formulation and application of a methodology designed to obtain source directivity of hydroacoustic transducers in the BYU Underwater Acoustics Laboratory. Piezoelectric transducers are presented, and common methodologies to measure their directivity are reviewed. The schematics of the BYU Underwater Acoustics Lab are explained, including the use of positioning robots to position the source-receiver pair in the measurement chain. The protocol is divided into different configurations comprising various source-receiver orientations. The processes of time gating, calculation of OASPL, and plotting onto directional axes are described. The protocol is tested across four different alternative configurations, including one method that utilizes Robotic Process Automation, using a transducer with a known source directivity. Results are found to correlate with expectations. Limitations, practical applications of the methodology, and potential future research objectives are explored.