Vector Field Smoothing for DOA Estimation of Coherent Underwater Acoustic Signals in Presence of a Reflecting Boundary

A new vector field smoothing algorithm for direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation of multiple coherent, underwater acoustic signals is proposed based on the array with vector hydrophones, which is located at or near a reflecting boundary. The performance of the proposed algorithm is examined in two practical applications: hull-mounted and seabed array. The advantage of the vector field smoothing scheme is no reduction in the overall array's spatial aperture.