A wholly analytical method for the simulation of an electromagnetic acoustic transducer array

Abstract

This paper presents a wholly analytical method which combines electromagnetic and ultrasonic simulations for the study of an Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer Array (EMAT). Analytical solutions to the eddy current problem for the meander coil used in an EMAT are adapted from the classic Deeds and Dodd solution, which was originally intended for circular coils. The analytical solution resulting from this novel adaptation exploits the large radius extrapolation and shows several advantages over the finite element method (FEM), especially in the higher frequency regime. The calculated Lorentz force density from the EM solver is then coupled to the ultrasonic simulations, which exploit an analytical solution for generating the distribution of surface waves. Beam features are studied, which can produce performance parameters for an EMAT array, facilitating the optimum design of such sensors. This total analytical approach to an EMAT simulation has not been reported previously to our knowledge.