Acoustic radar project for students

AI Thread Summary
An article in the American Journal of Physics outlines a method for building an acoustic radar using a speaker to transmit a carrier modulated with pseudo-noise code and a directional microphone to receive reflections. The project involves signal processing to create a pulse profile based on distance, serving as a radar or lidar simulator. The terms "acoustic radar" and "sodar" are often used interchangeably with sonar, particularly in air. This project is considered engaging and educational for students. Overall, it provides a practical application of physics concepts in signal processing and distance measurement.
cowboy3
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I came across an article in American Journal of Physics recently that describes how to build an acoustic radar by transmitting a carrier modulated with pseudo-noise code through a speaker and simultaneously receiving the reflection with a directional microphone. One then does some signal processing to get the resulting pulse profile as a function of distance. It was originally conceived as a radar or lidar simulator.

http://ajp.aapt.org/resource/1/ajpias/v79/i12/p1240_s1

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Hi cowboy3, welcome to PF

That seems like a pretty fun project!

Btw, another word for "acoustic radar" is "sonar".
 
I think the term acoustic radar and sodar are commonly used for sonar in air though sonar is correct also.
 

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