Abstract: Abstract：Objectives In order to design a small-scale underwater passive acoustic decoy with high target strength, a structure of uniformly embedding a certain number of corner reflectors on the ball according to the spherical spiral winding method is proposed, and its acoustic scattering characteristics are studied. Methods The acoustic scattering model of spherical embedded corner reflector is established by finite element numerical calculation method. The acoustic scattering characteristics of spherical embedded corner reflector structure and solid sphere are compared and analyzed. The structural parameters are optimized by genetic algorithm, and the influence of triangular opening direction and structural parameters of spherical embedded corner reflector on the acoustic scattering of the model is revealed. Results The numerical calculation and experimental results show that the triangular opening direction of the spherically embedded corner reflector does not affect the acoustic scattering characteristics of the model. The number of spherically embedded corner reflectors, the side length and the area ratio of the circumcircle have a great influence on the acoustic scattering of the model. The spherically embedded corner reflector model optimized by genetic algorithm can enhance the intensity of the acoustic target within the specified angle range. Conclusions The research results can provide reference for the optimal design of underwater passive acoustic bait.