Acoustic ray stability for long-range sound speed profile transition scenarios

Range-dependency in the background sound speed structure for deep ocean propagation scenarios is typical. Here a special case is considered when there is a gradual transition between single and double minimum sound speed profiles. Ray stability, an important measure for many applications, is analyzed. It is done by studying the unperturbed autonomous ray equations in the quasistatic limit. The wave guide is mapped out in terms of constant action curves in the vertical plane of propagation, which reveals a bifurcation effect in the studied wave guides. Conditions for the constancy or a sudden change of the action of a ray trajectory, an effect that impacts on the "use" of a ray, are given.