<title>Development of an efficient transducer design tool: complete finite element modeling of transducer performance parameters on a PC</title>

Abstract

The finite element method has been applied to the problem of predicting the eigenfrequencies, displacements, and stresses within an ultrasonic transducer. In the case of transducers suitable for ocean survey, fish detection, or air-ranging, these parameters are useful only as general predictors of transducer performance. In the current presentation, the finite element method has been extended to the prediction of parameters more directly useful to the designer. A finite element program has been written in Fortran to compile and run on a 33 MHz/386 PC. Eigenfrequencies, impedance, transmit and receive sensitivity, radiation pattern, displacement, and shear and principle stresses can be predicted for a transducer in its operating medium. Damping in acoustic isolation, backing, and matching layer materials are included in the model to provide an accurate and comprehensive design tool. Experimental results for different designs corroborating the predictions from the finite element models are presented. With several design iterations possible in an hour, new transducers have been designed in a day or so.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.