Finite Element Simulation of Leaky Surface Wave Propagation Excited by a Line-Focused Transducer

Abstract

The use of a PVDF line-focused ultrasonic transducer with a large aperture makes possible to measure the velocities of the leaky Rayleigh, surface SV and creeping waves in time domain [1–3]. The velocities and attenuation of these waves are affected by deviation from the perfect plane, namely surface roughness, waviness, etc. They also depend on the subsurface structure. Theoretical analyses of wave propagation are possible for simple geometries and subsurface structures, however, numerical analyses of wave motion are necessary to solve many real problems. The finite element modeling of ultrasonic wave propagation has been applied for solids [4–6] and for the axisymmetric solid/fluid interface [7]. This paper gives a finite element simulation of plane leaky surface wave propagation at the solid/liquid interface excited by a line-focused transducer.