Abstract
In order to deploy and test prototypes, and commercial installations, marine hydrokinetic (MHK) devices must meet strict regulatory guidelines that determine the maximum amount of noise that can be generated. In the absence of measured levels from in-situ deployments, a model for predicting the propagation of a MHK source in a real hydroacoustic environment needs to be established. An accurate model would help promote the growth and viability of marine, water, and hydrokinetic energy by confidently assuring environmental regulations and concerns are met, such that harmful impacts to marine mammals and wildlife are minimized. A 3D finitedifference solution to the governing velocity-pressure equations is presented and offers advantages over other acoustic propagation techniques for MHK applications, as spatially varying sound speeds, bathymetry, and bed composition can be modeled. This solution method also allows for the inclusion of complex MHK sound spectra from turbines and/or arrays of turbines. Several scenarios are presented in order to show the applicability and viability of a time-domain finite-difference solution for predicting sound propagation in MHK environments as well as an initial investigation of MHK turbine arrays.