Acoustical-Sensor Assemblies for Use in Flows

Improved sensor assemblies have been invented for measuring acoustic signals in gases or liquids flowing in or around any of a variety of moving or stationary objects. Examples of such objects include land vehicles, aircraft, submarines, structures exposed to winds or natural water streams, and industrial equipment containing or surrounded by process streams. In comparison with older acoustical-sensor assemblies designed for use in flows, these assemblies offer reduced response to noise generated by flows at and near sensor-assembly surfaces and increased protection for fragile acoustical transducers. These assemblies can be made to discriminate against sounds coming from outside preferred ranges of directions. They can also be mounted flush with surfaces of objects to minimize flow-induced noise and drag.