Acoustic source localization in uncertain sea environment using adaptive rank reduction method

A robust algorithm designed to localize a source in an acoustic waveguide without perfect knowledge of array calibration is constructed, that is a generalization of the known RARE (RAnk REduction) method in application to signal reception under the condition of incomplete information on a propagation medium. It has been established by means of statistical modeling that the proposed method gives a significant advantage in the accuracy of the source position estimation as well as in the achieved probability of its correct localization in comparison with the traditional RARE algorithm that assumes a priori knowledge of channel characteristics. The restriction on the permissible norm of mismatch between presumed and actual replica fields, for which a correct solution of the inverse problem is possible, has been found. The proposed algorithm is validated by its application to the experimental data observed in the Ladoga Lake. It has been shown that under real conditions the presented approach is rather efficient and ensures an acceptable source reconstruction quality without the need for a computationally intensive joint estimation of both the source and waveguide parameters.