Acoustic Propagation Path Research Articles

Ultra-thin low-frequency broadband absorber based on layered coiled channel structure

To improve and broaden the performance in absorbing sound waves of metamaterials at the lower and mid-frequency ranges, a layered coiled channel composite structure (LCCS) with deep subwavelengths is proposed in this paper, which extends the acoustic wave propagation paths longitudinally by connecting the Helmholtz resonator channels in each layer and achieves the multistep resonance of the coupling cavities, which results in the cancellation of acoustic energies, reduces the acoustic reflections and scattering, and enhances the absorption performance. A model to simulate theoretical sound absorption and finite elements simulation of the metamaterial were evolved to reveal its potential mechanismfor absorbing sound. Using the single-variable method to study the impact of altering structural parameters on the effectiveness of sound absorption, it shows good tunability in the target frequency range and obtains four fundamental unit LCCSs having distinct frequency absorption peaks, and designs a multi-unit coupling construction having low frequencies wideband sound absorption performance by connecting them in parallel to realize a large-broadband continuous and high-efficiency sound absorption within the scope of 370–1400 Hz, using a mean peak sound absorption value higher than 0.7. The structure was put together by 3D printing, and the impedance tube method test verified the precision of the simulation’s findings. This study offers a practical means to create lightweight, low-frequency broadband acoustic absorbing metamaterials.

Multi-angle speed-of-sound imaging with sparse sampling to characterize medical tissue properties

Medical Speed-of-sound (SoS) imaging, which can characterize medical tissue properties better by quantifying their different SoS, is an effective imaging method compared with conventional B-mode ultrasound imaging. As a commonly used diagnostic instrument, a hand-held array probe features convenient and quick inspection. However, artifacts will occur in the single-angle SoS imaging, resulting in indistinguishable tissue boundaries. In order to build a high-quality SoS image, a number of raw data are needed, which will bring difficulties to data storage and processing. Compressed sensing (CS) theory offers theoretical support to the feasibility that a sparse signal can be rebuilt with random but less sampling data. In this study, we proposed an SoS reconstruction method based on CS theory to process signals obtained from a hand-held linear array probe with a passive reflector positioned on the opposite side. The SoS reconstruction method consists of three parts. Firstly, a sparse transform basis is selected appropriately for a sparse representation of the original signal. Then, considering the mathematical principles of SoS imaging, the ray-length matrix is used as a sparse measurement matrix to observe the original signal, which represents the length of the acoustic propagation path. Finally, the orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm is introduced for image reconstruction. The experimental result of the phantom proves that SoS imaging can clearly distinguish tissues that show similar echogenicity in B-mode ultrasound imaging. The simulation and experimental results show that our proposed method holds promising potential for reconstructing precision SoS images with fewer signal samplings, transmission, and storage.

Absorption–diffusion integrated acoustic metasurface for scattering reduction

Absorption and diffusion are expected to reduce the energy intensity of reflected waves, while combining the advantages of both can further disperse incoming energy and improve acoustic stealth performances. In the paper, an absorption-diffusion integrated acoustic metasurface (ADM) is proposed, achieving high-performance acoustic backward scattering reduction in the operating bandwidth ranging from 6550 Hz to 6950 Hz. In order to obtain the proposed ADM, two kinds of subwavelength dual-layer unit cells with phase differences of 180° and low amplitudes (<0.4) are introduced. The highly efficient absorption of acoustic waves is achieved by extending the acoustic wave propagation path of the proposed unit cells. Meanwhile, the destructive interference between the pre-designed unit cells also contributes to diffusion-like scattering, which contributes to further suppression of specular reflection. Both simulated and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed ADM can achieve excellent acoustic backward scattering reduction. The proposed integrated mechanism can provide a method for achieving high-performance acoustic wavefront manipulation, which has potential applications in stealth technology, camouflage, noise control, and other relevant applications.

Theoretical and experimental study of attenuation in cancellous bone.

Photoacoustic (PA) technology shows great potential for bone assessment. However, the PA signals in cancellous bone are complex due to its complex composition and porous structure, making such signals challenging to apply directly in bone analysis. We introduce a photoacoustic differential attenuation spectrum (PA-DAS) method to separate the contribution of the acoustic propagation path to the PA signal from that of the source, and theoretically and experimentally investigate the propagation attenuation characteristics of cancellous bone. We modified Biot's theory by accounting for the high frequency and viscosity. In parallel with the rabbit osteoporosis model, we build an experimental PA-DAS system featuring an eccentric excitation differential detection mechanism. Moreover, we extract a PA-DAS quantization parameter-slope-to quantify the attenuation of high- and low-frequency components. The results show that the porosity of cancellous bone can be evaluated by fast longitude wave attenuation at different frequencies and the PA-DAS slope of the osteoporotic group is significantly lower compared with the normal group (**). Findings demonstrate that PA-DAS effectively differentiates osteoporotic bone from healthy bone, facilitating quantitative assessment of bone mineral density, and osteoporosis diagnosis.

Controls on the acoustic expression of buried and surface chemical explosions

Surface and buried chemical explosions in the 1-50 ton TNT equivalent range can generate acoustic waves capable of traveling thousands of kilometers. Planned explosive campaigns in this size range have been used to develop acoustics-based yield determination techniques, investigate how acoustic propagation paths vary over short time scales, and examine how ground motion induces sound above the epicenter, among others. Here, we describe several test campaigns involving buried and surface chemical explosions. We discuss the combinations of explosive yield and burial depth that produce laterally propagating infrasound waves, as well as instances where diffuse sound from violent topographic shaking is observed. We also give an overview of a test series specifically aimed at investigating acoustic signal variation at tens to hundreds of kilometers range using co-located surface explosions fired tens of seconds apart. This will provide context for acoustic data interpretation from existing test series and aid in the design of future ones. [SNL is managed and operated by NTESS under DOE NNSA Contract No. DE-NA0003525.]

An Improved Rock Damage Characterization Method Based on the Shortest Travel Time Optimization with Active Acoustic Testing

Real-time evaluation of the damage location and level of rock mass is essential for preventing underground engineering disasters. However, the heterogeneity of rock mass, which results from the presence of layered rock media, faults, and pores, makes it difficult to characterize the damage evolution accurately in real time. To address this issue, an improved method for rock damage characterization is proposed. This method optimizes the solution of the global shortest acoustic wave propagation path in the medium and verifies it with layered and defective media models. Based on this, the relationship between the inversion results of the wave velocity field and the distribution of rock damage is established, thereby achieving quantitative characterization of rock damage distribution and degree. Thus, the improved method is more suitable for heterogeneous rock media. Finally, the proposed method was used to characterize the damage distribution evolution process of rock media during uniaxial compression experiments. The obtained results were compared and analyzed with digital speckle patterns, and the influencing factors during the use of the proposed method are discussed.

Development of Love Wave-Based Ice Sensor Incorporating a PDMS Micro-Tank

A Love wave-based sensing chip incorporating a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micro-tank was proposed for ice sensing. The waveguide effect in the SU-8/ST-90°X quartz structure confines the acoustic energy in the SU-8 thin film, which is beneficial to improving the mass loading sensitivity and reducing longitudinal coupling attenuation in liquid. Self-compensation in temperature effect can be achieved by using the reverse polarity of the temperature coefficient (TCF) of SU-8 and ST-90°X. The micro-tank made of PMDS material was bonded on the acoustic wave propagation path to protect the interdigital electrodes and provide a sensitive area. Coupling of models (COM) and finite-element method (FEM) were employed to extract the optimal design parameters allowing low insertion loss of Love wave device, and the influence of PDMS toward Love wave propagation was also analyzed theoretically to determine the PDMS design. Using the standard photolithographic technique and molding method, a Love wave-based ice sensing chip was prepared to operate at 200 MHz and characterized by being connected to the amplitude detection circuit, and the corresponding icing sensing characteristics were studied. High sensitivity (11.894 mV/mm) and fast response (170 ms) were successfully achieved.

Atmospheric acoustic propagation modeling using heterogeneous wind profiles along the acoustic path

This work presents atmospheric sound propagation predictions using a parabolic equation solver that accounts for heterogeneous wind profile distribution along the acoustic path. Transmission loss predictions using both homogeneous and heterogeneous wind speeds information are compared with data. A three-dimensional scanning Doppler LIDAR wind profiler captures real-time wind speed gradients at many locations along the acoustic propagation path providing the heterogeneous wind speed profiles. The wind measurements are concurrent with a pitch catch transmission loss measurements. A long-range acoustic device on an anchored pontoon sends known chirp sequences to a seven-channel receiver array at the water’s edge at ranges up to approximately one kilometer. Additional synchronized meteorological observations include temperature, humidity, and wind measured with anemometers. Key differences in model results are highlighted and an assessment of the value of the computational cost is presented.

Research on ultrasonic phased array detection algorithm for TA15/Ti2AlNb multi-layer gradient material structure

Conventional ultrasonic detection methods can detect a TA15/Ti2AlNb gradient material multi-layer structure with many layers; the reflection and refraction phenomena of ultrasonic waves at the partition interface result in considerable attenuation of ultrasonic energy. It is difficult to achieve accurate focusing control of multi-array element synthetic beams, and internal defects cannot be detected. We explored the ‘ultrasonic velocity scale coefficient K’ algorithm to determine the ultrasonic beam propagation refraction path of a multi-layer gradient material structure. The algorithm makes full use of the refraction characteristics of ultrasonic waves on each material layer interface, establishes the acoustic ray-tracing model, analyzes the acoustic ray-tracing propagation path of each array element, and quickly obtains the focusing law. A TA15/Ti2AlNb gradient material specimen was prepared using laser melting deposition (LMD) technology, and a multi-layer structure model was established based on the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method to verify the focusing law. The experimental results of the ultrasonic phased array showed that the proposed algorithm effectively improved the defect detection signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and imaging quality of the TA15/Ti2AlNb gradient material.

A Unifying View on Blind Source Separation of Convolutive Mixtures Based on Independent Component Analysis

In many daily-life scenarios, acoustic sources recorded in an enclosure can only be observed with other interfering sources. Hence, convolutive Blind Source Separation (BSS) is a central problem in audio signal processing. Methods based on Independent Component Analysis (ICA) are especially important in this field as they require only few and weak assumptions and allow for blindness regarding the original source signals and the acoustic propagation path. Most of the currently used algorithms belong to one of the following three families: Frequency Domain ICA (FD-ICA), Independent Vector Analysis (IVA), and TRIple- N Independent component analysis for CONvolutive mixtures (TRINICON). While the relation between ICA, FD-ICA and IVA becomes apparent due to their construction, the relation to TRINICON is not well established yet. This paper fills this gap by providing an in-depth treatment of the common building blocks of these algorithms and their differences, and thus provides a common framework for all considered algorithms.

AE localization issues in heavy reinforced post-tensioned concrete beams

Damage localization is a relevant issue in structural health monitoring (SHM) of concrete structures. A greater level of insight into the structure can be so reached enabling more informed maintenance decisions and reducing operation and maintenance costs. The basic approach to acoustic emission localization, which is often referred to as the Time of Arrival (TOA) method, is based on detecting an AE source at a number of spatially-distributed sensors. However, in anisotropic media such as reinforced concrete, the basic assumptions for the TOA method become largely invalid. Different robust methods suitable to anisotropic media, incorporating an angular-dependent velocity term into the minimization process have been developed in the past. However, the wave-velocity profile is not always known. More recently a number of other authors have adopted various Bayesian approaches as part of AE localization strategies, including the use of a Markov chain Monte Carlo inference scheme as well as nonlinear Kalman filters. The use of a probabilistic approach in source location has become increasingly applied for AE source localization in complex large structures. In heavy reinforced post-tensioned concrete structures acoustic wave path can be significantly influenced by rebars as well as metallic post-tensioning ducts. Cracks opening can further influence acoustic propagation paths and greatly influence the reliability of AE source localization algorithms. In the present paper, different localization procedures have been developed and tested on post-tensioned concrete beams during loading and unloading cycles as well as on small homogeneous concrete blocks. In a highly emissive environment, significant difficulties have been reported also in event identification thus further reducing localization procedure reliability. EWGAE 35, Ljubljana, Slovenia, 13th – 16th Sep. www.ewg

Scanning Doppler LIDAR wind profiles to inform near shore atmospheric acoustic propagation modeling

This work presents a comprehensive experimental system to measure concurrent atmospheric acoustic transmission loss and meteorological conditions. A three-dimensional scanning Doppler lidar wind profiler captures real-time wind speed gradients at many locations along the acoustic propagation path of a simple pitch catch style study. A long-range acoustic device on an anchored pontoon sends known chirp sequences to a seven-channel receiver array at the water’s edge at ranges up to approximately one kilometer. Additional synchronized meteorological observations include temperature, humidity, and wind measured with anemometers. The meteorological data stream is used to inform the sound speed gradient implemented in a parabolic equation based numerical model of atmospheric acoustic propagation. The model can account for sea surface roughness and accommodate a sound speed profile that changes along the propagation range. Model predictions are compared to measured transmission losses. An assessment of the value of the computational cost of incorporating the varying sound speed profiles in the model is presented.

Acoustic wave propagation mechanism in the local stiffened structure of space station cabin using finite element method

Acoustic-based leakage detection and location in a spacecraft has attracted many researchers’ interest. Due to the fact that wave propagation through the stiffened structure is too complicated to be comprehensively understood, current leakage detection technologies have low-quality performance. Using numerical simulations, this paper parametrically investigates wave propagation across stiffened structure under different configurations. First, wave propagation through the stiffened structures with different stiffener heights is analyzed, showing that acoustic propagation features are different from Reusser’s model. Second, the stiffened structures with different widths are analyzed; meanwhile, the two cases of too large and too small stiffened ratios were compared. Acoustic wave propagation paths become complicated due to acoustic mode conversions. Third, different configurations of structure types are addressed. When the stiffener’s height–width ratio was large, the acoustic wave first reached the bottom of the stiffened block and then traveled up to the top of the stiffened block. When the stiffener’s height–width ratio was small, the acoustic wave reached the incident side at the bottom of the stiffened block and then propagated separately.

Finite Element Analysis of the Distribution Parameters of a Metal Dot Array in a SAW Gyroscope

A surface acoustic wave (SAW) gyroscope has many unique advantages, but a low detection sensitivity limits its development. Previous studies have shown that adding a metal dot array to the acoustic wave propagation path of the SAW delay line can enhance the Coriolis force and further improve sensitivity. Therefore, in order to optimize the detection sensitivity performance of the sensor, 128°YX-LiNbO3, ST-X Quartz and X112°Y-LiTaO3 piezoelectric substrates were selected by finite element method to analyze the influence of the metal dot array size on the SAW gyroscopic effect in this paper. The most suitable metal dot size for 128°YX-LiNbO3 and X112°Y-LiTaO3 obtained by simulation are 5/16λ and 1/16λ, respectively; for example, when the normalized angular velocity is 1 × 10−3, the SAW gyroscopic effect factor g of the two piezoelectric substrates distributing the optimum size metal dots can reach 22.4 kHz and 5.2 kHz. For ST-X quartz, there is a threshold between the rotation speed of the substrate and the optimum size of the metal dot. When the rotating speed is lower than the threshold, the SAW gyroscopic effect is strongest when the metal dot size is 3/16λ; otherwise, the SAW gyroscopic effect is strongest when the size is 11/16λ. These research results provide new ideas for improvement of the SAW gyroscope.

Enhanced Sensitivity of FeGa Thin-Film Coated SAW Current Sensor

A surface acoustic wave (SAW) device is proposed for sensing current by employing the patterned FeGa thin film as the sensitive interface. The layered media structure of FeGa/SiO2/LiNbO3 was established to reveal the working principle of the sensors, and an SAW chip patterned by delay-line and operating at 150 MHz was fabricated photolithographically on 128° YX LiNbO3 substrate. The FeGa thin film with a larger magnetostrictive coefficient was sputtered onto the acoustic propagation path of the SAW chip to build the sensing device. The prepared device was connected into the differential oscillation loop to construct the current sensor. The FeGa thin film produces magnetostrictive strain and so-called ΔE effect at the magnetic field generated by the applied current, which modulates the SAW propagation velocity accordingly. The differential frequency signal was collected to characterize the measurand. Larger sensitivity of 37.9 kHz/A, low hysteresis error of 0.81%, excellent repeatability and stability were achieved in the experiments from the developed sensing device.

Excess attenuation at the beach: A model validation

This work presents a comparison between experimental results and numerical modeling of atmospheric sound transmission loss across a range that includes water and a sandy shore. This work is part of a larger project developing a numerical model of long-range (∼3 km) atmospheric acoustic propagation in littoral or riverine environments with a near-shore acoustic source and on-shore receivers. The narrow angle parabolic equation method used in this work accounts for wind and temperature variation with elevation along the acoustic propagation path. The beach is modelled as an equivalent fluid employing the Johnson-Champoux-Allard-Pride-Lafarge (JCAPL) model. This eight-parameters model is reduced to a one-parameter model by considering the sand as randomly packed spherical particles. The single parameter is the grain size. Measured grain size distributions of the sand and its change in water content with the distance from the water inform model development of the beach. Sound pressure levels predicted by three model variations are compared with measurements. Advantages and drawbacks of model complexity are presented. We show that short spans of saturated sand are effectively modelled with a fully reflective surface whereas longer spans of sand require varying levels of sound absorption.

Investigation of the Effect of the Skull in Transcranial Photoacoustic Imaging: A Preliminary Ex Vivo Study.

Although transcranial photoacoustic imaging (TCPAI) has been used in small animal brain imaging, in animals with thicker skull bones or in humans both light illumination and ultrasound propagation paths are affected. Hence, the PA image is largely degraded and in some cases completely distorted. This study aims to investigate and determine the maximum thickness of the skull through which photoacoustic imaging is feasible in terms of retaining the imaging target structure without incorporating any post processing. We identify the effect of the skull on both the illumination path and acoustic propagation path separately and combined. In the experimental phase, the distorting effect of ex vivo sheep skull bones with thicknesses in the range of 0.7~1.3 mm are explored. We believe that the findings in this study facilitate the clinical translation of TCPAI.

Simulation Research on Sparse Reconstruction for Defect Signals of Flip Chip Based on High-Frequency Ultrasound

Flip chip technology has been widely used in various fields. As the density of the solder balls in flip chip technology is increasing, the pitch among solder balls is narrowing, and the size effect is more significant. Therefore, the micro defects of the solder balls are more difficult to detect. In order to ensure the reliability of the flip chip, it is very important to detect and evaluate the micro defects of solder balls. High-frequency ultrasonic testing technology is an effective micro-defect detection method. In this paper, the interaction mechanism between high-frequency ultrasonic pulse and micro defects is analyzed by finite element simulation. A transient simulation model for the whole process of ultrasonic scanning of micro defects is established to simulate scanning in acoustic microscopy imaging. The acoustic propagation path map is obtained for analyzing acoustic energy transmission during detection, and the edge blurring effect in micro-defect imaging detection is clarified. The processing method of the time-domain signal and cross-section image signal of micro defects based on sparse reconstruction is studied, which can effectively improve the accuracy of detection and the signal-to-noise ratio.

Acoustic Metamaterial Design Method Based on Green Coordinate Transformation

Acoustic metamaterials have great application prospects in eliminating vibration and noise, but they are difficult to manufacture due to their anisotropy. This paper utilizes the Green coordinate transformation method to design acoustic metamaterials by combining with the transformation acoustics theory. Because the Green coordinate transformation is the pseudo-conformal mapping in three-dimensional coordinates, the anisotropy of designed metamaterials can be weakened. And also, the genetic algorithm is employed to optimize the anisotropy of metamaterials and reduce the designed metamaterial parameter difference further. Finally, the membrane-imbedded-type metamaterial is applied to realize the design and to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method by manipulating the acoustic wave propagation path.

A SAFT Method for the Detection of Void Defect inside a Ballastless Track Structure Using Ultrasonic Array Sensors.

High-precision ultrasound imaging of void defects is critical for the performance and safety assessment of ballastless track structures. The sound propagation velocity of each layer in the ballastless track structure is quite different. However, the traditional concrete Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique (SAFT) ultrasound imaging method is based on the assumption that the concrete has a single constant shear wave velocity. Thus, it is not a suitable method for the ultrasonic imaging of multilayer structures. In this paper, a Multilayer SAFT high-precision ultrasound imaging method is proposed. It is based on the ray-tracing technique and uses the Fermat principle to find the refraction point that minimizes the delay of the acoustic wave propagation path at the interface of the discrete layers. Then, the acoustic wave propagation path is segmented by the position of the refraction point, and the propagation delay of the ultrasonic wave is obtained segment by segment. Thus, the propagation delay of the ultrasonic wave is obtained one by one, so that the propagation delay of the ultrasonic wave in the multilayer structure can be accurately obtained. Finally, the focused image is obtained according to the SAFT imaging algorithm. The finite element simulation and experimental results show that the Multilayer SAFT imaging method can accurately track the propagation path of the ultrasonic wave in ballastless track structures, as well as accurately calculate the propagation delay of the ultrasonic wave and the lengths of void defects. The high accuracy of the Multilayer SAFT imaging represents a significant improvement compared to traditional SAFT imaging.