The power measured by a hydrophone in Watts or Watts/cm^2

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on converting sound pressure levels measured by a hydrophone into power measurements in Watts and Watts/cm². The user calculates the reference level (RL) using the formula RL = 20 log10(Vrms) - OCV, resulting in an RL of 161 dB re µPa. The conversion from pascals to power involves understanding the relationship between pressure, volume, and time, with the user expressing confusion over the large values obtained when using an online converter. Ultimately, the user acknowledges a misunderstanding in the calculations related to power measurement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound pressure levels and decibel calculations
  • Familiarity with hydrophone specifications and measurements
  • Knowledge of basic physics concepts related to pressure and power
  • Proficiency in using logarithmic equations for conversions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between sound pressure (Pa) and acoustic power (W) in fluid dynamics
  • Learn about the conversion of sound pressure levels to intensity levels in Watts/cm²
  • Explore the principles of hydrophone calibration and its impact on measurements
  • Investigate the implications of volume and time in calculating power from pressure readings
USEFUL FOR

Acoustic engineers, physics students, and professionals working with hydrophones or underwater acoustics who need to understand sound pressure to power conversions.

rwooduk
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations


RL = 20 log10(Vrms) - OCV
For this hydrophone OCV = -211dB

The Attempt at a Solution


1. RL = 20 log10(Vrms) - OCV
RL = 20 log10(3.5mV) - (-211)
RL = 161dB re uPa

2. 20 log10 (uPa) = dB
Pa = 10^(dB/20) X 10^(-6) = 10^(161/20) X 10^(-6) = 112 kPa

3. ?

4. ?

5. Impedance

So I'm basically stuck in how to convert pascals to watts, and watts per cm^2. Would I use the volume of the water? but wouldn't that be cm^3? why is power measured in W/cm^2? and how do I convert the original 20W into this unit?

Thanks for any help with this!

p.s. If I use the online converter here:

http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-soundlevel.htm

I get 112 kPa = 194 db(SPL) = 25118864 W/m^2 = 2511 W/cm^2 which is HUGE, the value should be ~10W/cm^2 maximum
 
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err why has this been moved to Introductory? am I being that dumb? if there is a simple answer to this problem i'd love to hear it. aahhhhh yeah I am being dumb ... W = Pa m^3 /s

hmmm nope that doesn't work, if I use Pa = 112kPa the volume of the liquid = 400mL and divide by 1us, the value is huge.
 
yeah it was me being dumb, i'll just leave this here for anyone else who has a similar moment of dementure

yfEgAx8.jpg
 

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