Pinpointing noise sources is important in many applications to identify reflections and isolate problem areas. Bearing detection is the process of determining the direction of noise sources.

A special form of the wavenumber-frequency spectrum is used to estimate bearing. The projection vector Vj, is written using relationships to “look” for acoustic signals by replacing the wavenumber, k, by the angle q.

The angle q for which b(w,q) is maximum is the bearing direction. This example shows noise arriving on the array along rays at 40 degrees and 70 degrees.

propagating wave field