Abstract
This thesis explores custom signal generation circuitry with amplitude and phase control, paired with purpose-built amplifiers, to drive underwater piezoceramic spiral wavefront transducers. Validating the use of simple methods for producing acoustic spiral waves, and comparing the results from various signal input waveforms. Practical engineering approaches are discussed using CODECs, DSPs, and flip flops, their relative performance with underwater transducers is characterized. The implications of underwater acoustic spiral waves in navigation and active sonar applications are discussed. Radiation patterns are measured. The transducers used are electroded so that orthogonal or tertiary acoustic dipoles can be exited independently to generate spiral waves.