Fintel reports that on October 31, 2023, JP Morgan downgraded their outlook for Sonic Automotive, Inc. - (NYSE:SAH) from Neutral to Underweight . Analyst Price Forecast Suggests 22.22% Upside As of October 5,

JP Morgan Downgrades Sonic Automotive, Inc. - (SAH)

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Dealership groups continued to build on their early-year successes in the third quarter but struggled to sustain profits from 2022.

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Q3 2023 Earnings Call Transcript October 26, 2023 Sonic Automotive, Inc. beats earnings expectations. Reported EPS is $2.02, expectations were $1.8. Operator: Good morning and welcome to the Sonic Automotive Third Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call.

Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:SAH) Q3 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

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The average price point forecasted by analysts for Sonic Automotive, Inc. (SAH) is $51.67, which is $2.51 above the current market price. The public float for SAH is 12.89M, and currently, short sellers hold a 16.74% ratio of that float. The average ...

Sonic Automotive, Inc. (SAH): A Technical Analysis

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Get the most recent info and news about Sonic Automotive on HackerNoon, where 10k+ technologists publish stories for 4M+ monthly readers.

Sonic Automotive, Inc. operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. It operates in two segments, Franchised Dealerships and EchoPark. The Franchised Dealerships segment is involved in the sale of new and used cars and light trucks, and replacement parts; provision of vehicle maintenance, manufacturer warranty repair, and paint and collision repair services; and arrangement of extended warranties, service contracts, financing, insurance, and other aftermarket products for its guests. The EchoPark segment sells used cars and light trucks; and arranges finance and insurance product sales for its guests in pre-owned vehicle specialty retail locations. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 140 new vehicle franchises representing 28 brands of cars and light trucks; 17 collision repair centers in 17 states; and 46 EchoPark stores in 16 states, including 11 Northwest Motorsport pre-owned vehicle stores. Sonic Automotive, Inc. was incorporated in 1997 and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Sonic Automotive

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Most companies today are technology companies. They aim at digitizing their back-office and frontline operations, which requires extensive IT assistance. However, trying to pursue agile methods, many businesses choose to outsource their digital transformation to external consultants’ IT teams as the alternative to running their own. At the moment, the software development market offers the services of thousands of companies for all kinds of needs. To shortlist the candidates who will turn software into an enabler instead of a roadblock, you need to compile your list of business requirements first and take your time to carefully revise the players corresponding to these requirements. Here are the key criteria to consider: in order to evaluate your project budget Cost per hour to understand whether the vendor has experience in your industry or with similar solutions Portfolio and major customers on trustworthy platforms and recommendations from past clients Reviews to make sure the vendor’s team has worked with the platforms and tools you aim at Tech stack that prove the company has access to the required technological resources and up-to-date competencies Official partnerships and certifications if it’s of significance to the project Location If you need your software development partner to be based in a certain location, it significantly narrows down available options but doesn’t make the choice easier in any way as it still requires the same rigorous level of evaluation and verification. In case you need an onshore software partner based in Denver, Colorado, Explority has compiled a list of the top software engineering companies in Denver to prepare the ground for your further research. To pick the most prominent vendors among Denver software companies, we have scored them against five criteria: Portfolio Major customers Tech stack Pricing Reviews As a result, we have shortlisted 30 best companies, each with its own strengths, competencies and industry focus. Now it’s your turn to choose a partner fit for your project’s scope and requirements. 30 Best Software Companies in Denver 1. Iflexion Launched in 1999, Iflexion has grown to a team of 850+ professionals who have completed software development projects for more than 500 customers across different industries, with the focus on solutions for ISVs, media and entertainment, ecommerce, finance, education, and healthcare. Its key customers are PayPal, Philips, Expedia, Toyota, eBay, adidas, Shell, and more. With its ample development stack ranging from programming languages (.NET, Java, PHP, etc.) to platforms (Salesforce, SharePoint, Magento, etc.), Iflexion has delivered enterprise web and mobile apps, portals, intranets as well as BI, AI, and IoT solutions. Iflexion is listed as one of the top custom software development companies by Clutch and one of the best engineering firms in Denver by GoodFirms. 2. Gorilla Logic Since 2002, Gorilla Logic has been delivering nearshore software development and consulting services. The company has grown to 500+ employees who specialize in Java, Ruby, Python, .NET, Angular, React, iOS and Android development. They build enterprise web and mobile apps and deliver UI/UX development, DevOps, data science, IoT and QA services. Gorilla Logic is listed as a top app development company by Clutch and is a certified AWS and Microsoft partner. 3. MojoTech MojoTech was founded in 2008 and completed 150+ projects. The company combines engineering, design and product management competences and delivered software solutions for such customers as Shell, Schneider Electric, Pivotal, and more. MojoTech is proficient in full-stack engineering, mobile and web development, legacy upgrades, and cloud migration. The company was featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and TechCrunch. 4. Computer Enterprises Computer Enterprises is a software development company that has been providing consulting and engineering services since 1992. It specializes in strategy roadmaps, tech enablement planning, UI/UX design, custom web and mobile apps, app maintenance, cloud solutions, DevOps, AI, big data, and BI. The company is certified by Microsoft, Google Cloud, Sitecore, Cloudera, Redgate, and AWS. 5. Woodridge Software Woodridge Software is an award-winning Colorado-based software development agency that specializes in bespoke web and mobile apps and custom integrations for startups and Fortune 500 enterprises. Since its launch in 2012, the company has been focusing on projects in finance, cybersecurity, education, and healthcare. It pays special attention to software security, runs rigorous security testing, and ensures their solutions’ compliance with major security standards. 6. Skookum Skookum and its team of designers and developers have been solving digital challenges and helping businesses modernize their technologies since 2005. The company focuses on design, software development, digital strategy, and innovative solutions such as web and mobile apps, APIs, IoT and cloud-based software. Skookum also has hands-on experience in launching R&D labs and environments from scratch to let customers explore emerging technologies, build prototypes, and accelerate time-to-market. 7. Bayshore Solutions Bayshore Solutions is a Denver software development agency founded in 1996. Its cross-functional teams have provided tailored web development, ecommerce, and hosting solutions for 2,600 customers across different domains, such as insurance, banking, logistics, and retail. The company offers full-cycle services, from digital strategy and web design and development to marketing, content management, and web hosting. Bayshore Solutions is a certified partner of nopCommerce, Sitefinity, HubSpot, and Google. 8. Chromedia Chromedia is a custom software development vendor in Denver that partners with companies of any scale, be it early-stage startups or large corporations. Founded in 2011, the company has delivered hundreds of projects, from customizing CRM and CMS platforms to building SaaS platforms and mobile apps from scratch. It also offers team augmentation services. Chromedia is a certified AWS partner; they are also experienced in PHP, .NET, C#, Ruby on Rails, Python, React, Angular, Swift, and more. 9. Cuttlesoft Launched in 2011, Cuttlesoft is a creative product development agency with a track record of hundreds of completed projects. The company mainly partners with small businesses to develop web, mobile, cloud and IoT solutions in IT, entertainment and business services domains, with a special focus on data security compliance. Cuttlesoft also specializes in DevOps enablement, data analysis, and visual design. Its tech stack includes Python, Ruby, JavaScript, React, iOS, Android, and more. 10. Electrifying Design Electrifying Design is a full-service software development agency in Denver founded in 2011. It specializes in web and mobile app engineering, database development, API integration, CRM and CMS implementation. Using its proficiency in PHP, Python, SQL, JavaScript, .NET, Django, Docker, and C#, the company delivered hundreds of projects including medical software, AI, big data and blockchain solutions, real estate apps, education platforms, and more. Electrifying Design has been recognized by Clutch and GoodFirms. 11. Techtonic Techtonic is an onshore software developer located in Denver. The company was established in 2006 and focuses on tailored software development, cloud-based app development, and solutions for delivery automation and workforce transformation. Its senior-level engineers are experienced in .NET, C#, AngularJS, React, JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, and more. Techtonic has found an efficient way to close the talent gap by launching a software development training program, accredited by the US Department of Labor, which helps source, train, and hire top-tier software engineers. 12. Rogue Wave Software Founded in 1989, Rogue Wave Software is one of the oldest and largest Colorado software companies that has partnered with thousands of global enterprises, including universities and organizations all over the world. It offers a wide range of services, from native apps to cloud solutions, across finance, healthcare, telecom, education, government, and other industries. The company’s expertise covers different languages, codebases, and platforms. Rogue Wave Software also has a portfolio of its own products. 13. Spire Digital Spire Digital is a Denver-based digital transformation firm established in 1998. It offers technology consulting, UI/UX design, custom software development, DevOps, digital marketing, and team augmentation. It’s skilled in engineering web, mobile, IoT, embedded, AR/VR, AI, and blockchain solutions using .NET, JavaScript, PHP, React, and more. Spire has partnered with hundreds of companies, 400+ technology startups included. Its key customers are Western Union, Berkshire Hathaway, Navy, Volkswagen, Experian, Lockheed Martin, MillerCoors, US Navy, and more. 14. Neon Rain Interactive Since its launch in 2002, Neon Rain Interactive has grown into a team of designers and developers who specialize in custom software, web and mobile apps as well as Drupal, WordPress, ERP and ecommerce sites. It has completed hundreds of projects for startups, SMBs, enterprises, educational and non-profit organizations, including such customers as United Way, YOLO Deals, Sprint, ACE Scholarships, and more. Denver Business Journal and Clutch have recognized Neon Rain Interactive as a top web designer and software developer. 15. Cardinal Peak Cardinal Peak is a software engineering firm that since 2002 has partnered with 800+ companies, from emerging leaders to Fortune 500 enterprises. Among them are Fujitsu, Samsung, Culligan, CableLabs, Clip Interactive, and more. Its team of engineers and designers specializes in hardware development, embedded software, security integrations, cloud and mobile solutions, and connected product design. The company also has hands-on experience in audio, video, voice and signal processing technologies and completed numerous projects using Amazon Alexa, AWS, Analog Devices, Audinate, NXP, etc. Top Software Engineering Companies in Denver: Runners-up 16. JetSoftPro JetSoftPro is a software development agency in Denver that has completed 270+ projects since 2014 across more than a dozen industries. It focuses on tailored web and mobile development, integration, R&D, UI/UX design, DevOps, security, QA, and maintenance. Its tech stack comprises .NET, C/C++, Python, Xamarin, Ruby, PHP, AngularJS, and Java. Recognized by the likes of Clutch, TechReviewer, and DQ, the company also expertly deals with innovative technologies, such as machine learning, chatbot development, blockchain, IoT, AR/VR. Its key customers feature Prezzo, bvblogic, Consolidate, innocode. 17. Devetry Devetry is a Denver-based software development firm launched in 2015. It’s skilled in planning and strategy, UI/UX design, DevOps, custom mobile and SaaS development as well as data science, machine learning, and chatbots. The company has delivered projects for SMBs and large organizations from industries such as energy, education, digital marketing, wellness, and cybersecurity. Devetry works with a wide range of technologies including React, Vue, AngularJS, Python, Ruby on Rails, .NET, and Flutter. Devetry has been recognized as a top developer by Clutch and UpCity. 18. 303 Software 303 Software was founded in 2006 to deliver consulting, design, development, testing and maintenance services for startups, enterprises, non-profits, and government organizations. It has built dozens of web and mobile apps and launched three B2B SaaS startups so far. It specializes in custom-developed apps that help automate processes of any complexity for a wide range of industries, such as healthcare, telecom, agriculture, and finance. 303 Software is a proven adept of agile planning and project management. 19. Brainspire Solutions Brainspire Solutions is an onshore technology consultancy that focuses on custom web and mobile app development, app integration, data and BI consulting, portals, IoT and cloud development for Colorado-based commercial customers and non-profits. It completed numerous projects across different verticals, such as construction, information technologies, energy, ecommerce, healthcare, and more. The company is an expert in .NET, Java, Xamarin, Ionic as well as NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, and Microsoft Dynamics 365. 20. Credera Founded in 1999, Credera has grown to become one of the largest consulting and software development companies in Colorado, with customers ranging from Fortune 500 companies to emerging startups. Its services cover planning and strategy, product design and development, technology enablement, commerce solutions, cloud implementation, and innovation acceleration. The company is an expert in PHP, JavaScript, C#, Python as well as SharePoint, Oracle, WordPress, Drupal, Magento, and Shopify. 21. Fruition Fruition is a digital marketing and technological consultancy that specializes in design, web development, and digital marketing for SMBs, with a focus on healthcare, travel, and retail. Its expertise encompass implementation and customization of open-source platforms, such as Drupal, WordPress, and Magento. Fruition has also developed its own tools, such as an enterprise-level SEO platform and a Google penalty checker. Fruition has been recognized as a top developer by Inc. 5000 and Clutch. 22. FortyAU FortyAU is a technology consulting company in Denver where you can find first-class local developers for devising strategies, developing websites, and engineering CMS-based or custom apps based on the latest technologies, such as AI and big data. The company delivers projects of any scale for entrepreneurs and Fortune 100 companies alike, with a special focus on healthcare and finance. It successfully delivered a basketball analytics app, a healthcare facilities collaboration app, an online patient scheduling app, and more projects. 23. Flyoutsourcing Flyoutsourcing is a custom software development company that was founded in 2016. It offers extensive onshore and offshore team augmentation services for startups and SMBs. It specializes in developing tailored web and mobile apps, cloud solutions, and enterprise software as well as DevOps enablement and software maintenance. Flyoutsourcing’s team has a good command of frontend (AngularJS, React), backend (Java, Python, PHP, .NET) and cloud (AWS, Heroku, Microsoft Azure) technologies. 24. Obsidian Global Since its inception in 2013, Obsidian Global has been specializing in cybersecurity technologies and DevSecOps, with a focus on the government and defense sectors. Its customers include the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, and Federal Civilian Departments. The company is also an expert in cloud services, mobile development, and ERP implementation based on agile planning and development. Obsidian Global is a certified partner of Amazon, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft. 25. 27Global Since 2008, 27Global has grown into a team of 300+ engineers developing custom software for businesses of different sizes, providing local quality at offshore prices. Following the Agile methodology, the company offers the services of custom web and mobile development, microservices engineering, DevOps enablement, and innovative transformation. 27Global is experienced in Java, .NET, Angular, Node.js, React as well as AWS, Docker, Microsoft Azure, and Salesforce. 26. Neudesic Neudesic is a technology company founded in 2002. It specializes in cutting-edge technologies and offers the services of cloud modernization, data asset management, workplace automation, intelligent platform development, and DevOps enablement. Neudesic mostly focuses on healthcare, food and beverages, energy, and hospitality industries. The company has its own products, for example, apps for knowledge management and business collaboration. Neudesic is a Microsoft and Nintex partner. 27. Dev IQ Dev IQ is a consulting and custom software development firm that is driven by the principles of Agile, design thinking, and empathic design. It specializes in UI/UX design, web and mobile app development, IoT ecosystems, and cloud-native solutions. It has hands-on experience with such cloud providers as AWS, ClearDATA, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure. The company’s key customers are Visa, DaVita, Patagonia, Kiehl’s, Denver Health, Collective Goods, and more. 28. Denovo Denovo is a full-service software development firm that has specialized in product design, engineering, and maintenance since 2003. It mostly focuses on cloud hosting and infrastructure, managed services, and disaster recovery. Denovo is an AWS Partner and Oracle Platinum Partner. It successfully completed 2,400+ implementation projects based on Oracle ERP and Oracle Cloud for commercial and public-sector customers, such as Thule, Qualtek, Sunrise Medical, Phoenix, and more. 29. Precision Solutions Precision Solutions is a software development firm that has partnered with dozens of companies since 2012, from the largest Fortune 100 defense contractors to small businesses. Its key customers are Griffin, Singer, MDC, Talley, Rare Coin, and more. The company’s range of services covers custom software development, cloud migration, and integration. Precision Solutions also released its own products, such as Odoo apps. 30. Paralect Paralect is a custom software engineering agency founded in 2009. With the main focus on mobile app development and integration, it has launched 25 products with 12 million end users. Its products include an intelligent messaging platform, automotive workshop software, a freelance platform, and real estate lead management software. The company also specializes in MVPs for startups and innovative businesses, delivered in 12 weeks. Time to pick your Denver software developer We hope this list will become a good place to start for your further research. Match it with your project requirements, collect references, listen to your gut feeling, and choose your future software development partner.

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An acoustic sensor assembly is provided for sensing acoustic signals in a moving fluid such as high speed fluid stream. The assembly includes one or more acoustic sensors and a porous, acoustically transparent screen supported between the moving fluid stream and the sensor and having a major surface disposed so as to be tangent to the moving fluid. A layer of reduced velocity fluid separating the sensor from the porous screen. This reduced velocity fluid can comprise substantially still air. A foam filler material attenuates acoustic signals arriving at the assembly from other than a predetermined range of incident angles. http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u= Government Interests ORIGIN OF THE INVENTION The invention described herein was made by and employee(s) of the United States Government and may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes without payment of any royalties thereon or therefore.Claims What is claimed is: 1. An acoustic sensor assembly for sensing acoustic signals in a moving fluid stream, said assembly comprising: a housing at least one acoustic pressure sensor located within said housing for sensing acoustic signals in the moving fluid stream; a rigid porous, acoustically transparent screen supported in a wall of said housing between the moving fluid steam and said at least one sensor and having a major surface disposed so as to be tangent to the fluid steam so that the moving fluid stream flows thereacross. 2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a layer of reduced velocity fluid separating the at least one sensor from said porous screen. 3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reduced velocity fluid comprises substantially still air. 4. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing comprises an elongate housing including a streamlined fairing at one end thereof for providing smooth flow of the fluid stream over said screen, said screen being supported in a side wall of said elongate housing and said at least one sensor being mounted on the housing within the side wall. 5. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a streamlined structure which protrudes into said fluid stream and which includes a top wall, said screen being supported on said top wall. 6. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means for attenuating acoustic signals arriving at the assembly from other than a predetermined range of incident angles. 7. An assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein a space is defined between the porous screen and the at least one sensor and said attenuating means comprises an absorbing material disposed in said space and including an aperture therein positioned over the at least one sensor and extending between the at least one aperture and said porous screen. 8. An assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein said aperture is conical in shape. 9. An acoustic sensor assembly for sensing acoustic signals in a moving fluid, said assembly comprising: a housing, at least one acoustic pressure sensor located within said housing for sensing acoustic signals in the moving fluid; a rigid, porous, acoustically transparent screen supported in a wall of said housing between the moving fluid and the sensor in spaced relation to said at least one sensor so as to define a space between said screen and said at least one sensor, said screen having a major surface disposed so as that the moving fluid flows across said surface; and a layer of reduced velocity fluid located in said housing in said space and separating the at least one sensor from said porous screen. 10. An assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein said screen is supported in a wall and said at least one sensor is mounted within the wall. 11. An assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein said screen is supported in a streamlined structure which protrudes into said high speed fluid stream. 12. An assembly as claimed in claim 9, further comprising means for attenuating acoustic signals arriving at the assembly from other than a predetermined range of incident angles. 13. An assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein said attenuating means comprises a sound absorbing material disposed in said space and including an aperture therein positioned over the at least one sensor and extending between the at least one aperture and said porous screen. 14. An assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein said aperture is conical in shape. 15. An acoustic sensor assembly for sensing acoustic signals in a fluid stream, said assembly comprising: a housing; at least one acoustic pressure sensor located within said housing for sensing acoustic signals in said fluid screen; a rigid, porous, acoustically transparent screen supported in a wall of said housing between the fluid stream and the sensor in spaced relation to said at least one sensor and having a major surface disposed so that the fluid stream flows across said surface; and means disposed between the screen and said at least one sensor for attenuating acoustic signals arriving at the assembly from other than a predetermined range of incident angles. 16. An assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein a layer of reduced velocity fluid separates the at least one sensor from said porous screen. 17. An assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein said reduced velocity fluid comprises substantially still air. 18. An assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein said screen is supported in a side wall of said housing and said at least one sensor is mounted within the side wall. 19. An assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein said housing comprises a streamlined structure which protrudes into the fluid stream. 20. An assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein said attenuating means comprises a sound absorbing material disposed between said screen and said at least one sensor, said sound absorbing material including an aperture therein positioned over the at least one sensor and extending between the screen and the at least one sensor.Description BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION a. Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to noise reduction devices for pressure sensors such as microphones and the like. b. Description of the Prior Art Numerous devices have been developed for reducing the wind or flow noise on individual microphones or other pressure sensors. For example, in order to reduce low speed wind noise, a cloth or compliant foam sphere has been placed over a microphone to be protected. For sound measurements in high speed flows, a conical noise cone in combination with a porous screen can be used to reduce the noise, so long as the axis of the microphone is in alignment with wind direction. The pressure sensing element can also be mounted flush with the surface of a flat or curved plate which is exposed to the flow stream. These prior art approaches suffer a number of disadvantages. For example, the streamlined nose cone with a porous screen is suitable only for individual microphones which must be carefully aligned axially with an aerodynamically designed support strut, and is expensive and otherwise impractical for many sensor applications. The flush mounted arrangement exposes the sensor to damaging contact with dust and other particles, as well as to pressure disturbances inherent where the mounting surface is also exposed to the flow. In addition to these disadvantages, all of these arrangements expose the sensor or sensors to acoustic signals arriving from many directions. Patents of interest in this field include the following: U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,453 (Cohen et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,489 (Iwanaka et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,614 (Case); U.S. Pat. No. 4,770,032 (Plentovich); U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,726 (Kobayashi et al.); U.S. Pat. No. (4,975,966) Sapiejewski; U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,881 (Kendall, Jr.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,525 (Muller); U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,955 (Staple et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,287 (Bauer). Briefly considering these patents, the Cohen et al patent discloses a dual microphone arrangement for sonic detection in a flow field wherein the axis of the microphone pairs is perpendicular to the flow field and a noise shield, in combination with sound absorbers, minimizes incident and reflected noise. The Iwanaka et al patent discloses an electroacoustic transducer including air chambers. The Case patent discloses a unidirectional enhancer for microphones including an enclosure with acoustic dampening material therein and forming a horn having an entrance opening at which a microphone element is disposed. The Plentovich et al patent, a NASA patent, discloses a porous plug for reducing orifice induced pressure error in static pressure measurements of airfoil in wind tunnel testing. The Kobayashi et al patent discloses an ultrasonic rangefinder wherein a transmitter and receiver are housed in a recessed block and conic elements are used to direct and select sounds. The Sapiejewski patent discloses an arrangement for reducing microphone "puff" noise including a protective grid covering an end of a housing and a spacer layer between the grid and a microphone capsule. The Kendall, Jr. patent, a NASA patent, discloses an apparatus for the measurement of waves in flows across a surface, wherein microphones are recessed in a cavity and arranged perpendicular to the flow. The Muller patent discloses a boundary layer microphone comprising an electroacoustic transducer with a membrane mounted within the sound reflecting surface of a mounting plate. The Staple et al. patent discloses wind noise and vibrating noise reducing microphone wherein the microphone is located within a shield in the vortex of an eddy current downstream from the wind direction. The Bauer patent discloses an airborne acoustic sensor wherein a noise cone structure houses a microphone in communication with the surface through radial passages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention, a pressure sensor assembly is provided which reduces the levels of interfering noise which result from placing individual or multiple pressure sensors in a high velocity fluid (gas or liquid) stream, while preserving the desired sensitivity of such sensors to propogating acoustic signals. The sensor assembly of the invention also has controlled sensitivity to acoustic signals arriving from certain specific selected directions while attenuating signals from other directions in accordance with a predetermined directional response. The invention has wide commercial application including the fields of aerospace, ground transportation, manufacturing, piping or conduit delivery systems, sonar ranging and the like. The invention can effectively measure sound in a wind stream or from any vehicle moving through air or water including the detection of external sounds from inside of a sound-proofed automobile. The invention represents a significant improvement in basic acoustics measurement technology and can be used to improve or replace existing commercial microphone noise reduction devices. According to the invention, an acoustic sensor assembly is provided for sensing acoustic signals in a moving fluid such as high speed fluid stream, the assembly comprising: at least one acoustic sensor; and a porous, acoustically transparent screen supported between the high speed fluid stream and the at least one sensor and having a major surface disposed so as to be tangent to the high speed fluid stream. A further important aspect of the invention concerns the provision of a layer of reduced velocity fluid separating the at least one sensor from the porous screen. In one implementation, the reduced velocity fluid comprises substantially still air. In one preferred embodiment, the screen is supported in a wall and the at least one sensor is mounted within the wall. In another preferred embodiment, the screen is supported in a streamlined structure which protrudes into the high speed fluid stream. In accordance with a further important aspect of the invention, there is provided means for attenuating acoustic signals arriving at the assembly from other than a predetermined range of incident angles. Preferably, a space is defined between the porous screen and the at least one sensor, and the attenuating means comprises a sound absorbing material disposed in the space and including an aperture therein positioned over the at least one sensor and extending between the at least one aperture and the porous screen. As compared with prior art devices, the sensor assembly of the invention exhibits greatly reduced response to interfering surface generated noise, while retaining a full, or selectively directional, response to incident acoustic waves. Further, the protective porous screen and the reduced velocity air serve to protect fragile sensors. An additional advantage over intrusive sensors of the prior art is that the sensor region can be made to conform with existing boundary surface contours, with reduced drag and noise as compared with that introduced by sensor supports which protrude into the flow. Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in, or apparent from, the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of an acoustic sensor assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the acoustic sensor assembly of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, a transverse cross sectional view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the sensor assembly, which is generally denoted 10, is mounted in a high speed stream and includes a conventional sensor device or sensor 12 mounted in a conventional sensor support plate 14, above a backing plate 16. Although only a single sensor 12 is shown, it will be appreciated that a plurality of sensors arranged in spaced relation can be employed. The plates 14 and 16 are separated by spacer members or walls, one of which, denoted 18, is shown in FIG. 1. An upper wall 20 and a spacer element 22 create a cavity 24 above sensor 12. Cavity 24, and thus sensor 12, are covered by a screen 26. Screen 26 is a porous acoustically transparent screen and is disposed or suspended so that the surface thereof is tangent to the high speed stream. In an exemplary implementation, screen 26 comprises a 16 gage 68% porous plate covered with 10 cgs Rayl screen. Cavity 24 houses a layer of still or reduced velocity fluid (gas or liquid) which is air in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and which separates sensor 12 from screen 26. In the illustrated embodiment, a sound absorbing (e.g., foam) filler member 28 with a conical cut-out or aperture 30 is located within cavity 24 to control the directional response of sensor 12. Conical cut-out 30 overlies sensor 12 and tapers down from a relatively large diameter at the screen 26 to a diameter at the sensor 12 corresponding to that of the active sensing area of the sensor 12. A streamlined fairing 32 extending in the direction of flow is provided for smooth control of flow over the sensor region. Referring to FIG. 2, a second preferred embodiment of the invention is shown which illustrates an application wherein the sensor mounting arrangement protrudes into the high speed stream beyond a wall boundary layer or free shear layer. In the embodiment illustrated, a sensor 40 is mounted within, i.e., recessed in, a streamlined fairing member 44 affixed to a wall surface indicated at 42. A conical channel or aperture 46 is provided between sensor 40 and the top surface of fairing member 44. It is favorable that the fairing member 44 be aerodynamically streamlined to minimize turbulent flow over screen/sensor region 50. The opening 48 at the top of channel 46 is covered by a porous screen cover 50. Again, screen cover 50 is a porous, acoustically transparent screen and a layer of still or reduced velocity fluid, e.g., air, is provided between sensor 40 and screen 50. The velocity boundary layer is indicated at 52 in the left hand portion of FIG. 2, and it will be seen that the streamlined fairing member 44 with porous screen cover 50 and recessed sensor 40 serve to position the sensor port outside of the wall turbulent boundary layer. It will be understood that any surface, when exposed to liquid or gaseous flow, will generate flow disturbances at the surface which convect in the flow direction at some fraction (typically one-half) of the flow velocity, and that acoustic sensors placed at this surface will respond to these interfering disturbances as well as the incipient acoustic waves which the sensors are designed to detect. Significant noise reduction is provided by the invention by placing the sensor(s) (corresponding to sensors 12 and 40) behind the corresponding porous screen (26 or 50). Further, the porous screen also acts to prevent damage through impact and erosion. The screen also protects the sensor(s) from contact with superheated, supercoated, or corrosive gases and liquids. Additional significant noise reduction is provided by recessing the sensor(s) (12 and 40) from the porous screen (26 or 50) so that a layer of still or reduced velocity gas or liquid between the sensors and the porous screen. It is noted that in the case of two-dimensional disturbances which are aligned along the surface of the screen and oriented normal to the direction of flow, the situation is analogous to the motion of air past a wall with a wavy surface. Invisced theory predicts that for subsonic motion (Mach number less than 0.5), the pressure disturbances should decay as: where: P.sub.n is the surface noise pressure amplitude, K is the amplitude of the pressure disturbance at the surface, f is the disturbance frequency measured by a stationary sensor, y is the distance separating the sensor from the porous screen, and U.sub.c is the convection speed of disturbances at the surface of the porous screen. Thus, the predicted noise attenuation with frequency will vary for different separation distances y in accordance with the above formula. The device of the invention also has the property that interfering acoustical disturbances arriving from directly downstream or upstream of the sensor 12 or 40 can be rejected through the mechanism of reflection at the shear layer formed at the surfaces of the porous screen 26 or 50. If sensitivity to acoustical signals is desired, this response can be achieved by mounting the sensor or sensors directly behind the porous screen or in a position recessed only a small distance from the screen which reduces the grazing incidence angle. As illustrated above by, e.g., foam filler member 28 with conical aperture 30 therein, the directional response of each sensor can be tailored by placing sound absorbing material, such as foam, with the space between the screen and sensor(s), with open aperture(s) positioned over the sensor(s). It will be understood that the apertures can be shaped as desired to transmit only acoustic signals arriving at the sensors from a predetermined range of incident angles as discussed above. It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the sensor assembly or arrangement of the invention is applicable to sensors which are installed in an enclosure, the liner skin of a wind tunnel or other conduit, or on the surface of a flight, ground, or underwater vehicle, or in conjunction with any fixed object exposed to a moving stream of fluid (gas or liquid). Although the present invention has been described relative to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be effected in these exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE

sonicautomotive.com

10K+ employees

Since 1997

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE

EVERGREEN INDEX #9673

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SONIC AUTOMOTIVE

sonicautomotive.com

10K+ employees

Since 1997

COMPANY RANKING

SONIC AUTOMOTIVE

EVERGREEN INDEX #9673

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