Radial sandwich radial-bending composite transducer designed based on acoustic black hole theory

Abstract

A novel radial sandwich radial bending composite transducer is proposed based on the increasing amplitude of bending waves in the structure of an acoustic black hole (ABH). The transducer consists of a radial sandwich circular ring transducer and an outer acoustic black hole structure. The existence of the ABH structure realizes the conversion between radial vibration and bending vibration of the transducer, and improves the acoustic radiation performance of the transducer. Based on the one-dimensional acoustic black hole bending vibration theory, the bending vibration equation of the circular ABH structure is given. An analytical model of the ABH structure bending vibration is established by using the method of geometrical-acoustics, and the eigen frequency of its bending vibration is given. The relationship between the electromechanical conversion performance and the size of the transducer is discussed by using the finite element method, and the results show that when the eigen frequency of the bending vibration of the ABH structure is close to the resonant frequency of the transducer, the electromechanical coupling coefficient of the transducer reaches a maximum value. The radiation sound pressure field, radiation sound intensity, and radiation directionality of the transducer in the air are also analyzed by the finite element method. The results indicate that the presence of the ABH structure can improve the electromechanical conversion performance of the bending vibration of the transducer, enhance the acoustic radiation performance of the transducer, make the transducer exhibit radiation directionality and the lower order of the bending vibration mode of the ABH structure, the stronger radiation directionality of the transducer towards the left side and the right side. Finally, in order to verify the accuracy of the simulation and theory, we made a prototype transducer and carried out the experimental test of transducer electrical impedance and vibration mode. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulation results. The displacement distribution of the radiation surface of the transducer at resonance frequency is measured, which verifies the bending vibration mode of the ABH structure. This type of transducer is expected to be used as acoustic projector in the air or water.