Finite element computation of the scattering response of objects buried in ocean sediments

To assist in locating objects at or near the ocean floor, there is a need for computational models that can predict the scattering response of objects fully or partially buried in ocean sediments such as sand. In reality, sand can best be understood as a two-phase porous medium and the shear waves supported by the sediment can contribute meaningfully to the acoustic signature of the buried objects. Due to the slow phase speeds of these shear waves, the computational burden of finite element models can be excessive. In this talk, efficient modeling techniques and methods for reducing the computational time of these models are covered. [Work supported by ONR, Ocean Acoustics.]