Piezoelectric transducer design via multiobjective optimization

The design of piezoelectric transducers is usually based on single-objective optimization only. In most practical applications of piezoelectric transducers, however, there exist multiple design objectives that often are contradictory to each other by their very nature. It is impossible to find a solution at which each objective function gets its optimal value simultaneously. Our design approach is to first find a set of Pareto-optimal solutions, which can be considered to be best compromises among multiple design objectives. Among these Pareto-optimal solutions, the designer can then select the one solution which he considers to be the best one. In this paper we investigate the optimal design of a Langevin transducer. The design problem is formulated mathematically as a constrained multiobjective optimization problem. The maximum vibration amplitude and the minimum electrical input power are considered as optimization objectives. Design variables involve continuous variables (dimensions of the transducer) and discrete variables (the number of piezoelectric rings and material types). In order to formulate the optimization problem, the behavior of piezoelectric transducers is modeled using the transfer matrix method based on analytical models. Multiobjective evolutionary algorithms are applied in the optimization process and a set of Pareto-optimal designs is calculated. The optimized results are analyzed and the preferred design is determined.     

Multiobjective muffler shape optimization with hybrid acoustics modeling

This paper considers the combined use of a hybrid numerical method for the modeling of acoustic mufflers and a genetic algorithm for multiobjective optimization. The hybrid numerical method provides accurate modeling of sound propagation in uniform waveguides with non-uniform obstructions. It is based on coupling a wave based modal solution in the uniform sections of the waveguide to a finite element solution in the non-uniform component. Finite element method provides flexible modeling of complicated geometries, varying material parameters, and boundary conditions, while the wave based solution leads to accurate treatment of non-reflecting boundaries and straightforward computation of the transmission loss (TL) of the muffler. The goal of optimization is to maximize TL at multiple frequency ranges simultaneously by adjusting chosen shape parameters of the muffler. This task is formulated as a multiobjective optimization problem with the objectives depending on the solution of the simulation model. NSGA-II genetic algorithm is used for solving the multiobjective optimization problem. Genetic algorithms can be easily combined with different simulation methods, and they are not sensitive to the smoothness properties of the objective functions. Numerical experiments demonstrate the accuracy and feasibility of the model-based optimization method in muffler design.     

功率超声振动系统的研究进展

功率超声振动系统是功率超声技术中的关键部分,其主要部分包括功率超声换能器、超声变幅杆以及超声工具头或超声辐射器。本文就功率超声换能振动系统设计中经常遇到的一些关键问题进行了简要的归纳和总结,目的在于为功率超声换能器的优化设计和性能改善提供一些有用的设计指南和解决措施。同时,对一些新的功率超声振动系统进行了介绍,并简要分析了其发展趋势和应用领域。     

基于遗传算法的透平级多目标优化设计

本文发展并完善了一种基于非受控解的排序、基于共享机制的小生境技术和交配约束的多目标遗传算法,在一元热力设计基础上,对一个透平级取实际压力与给定压力的差值和级的作功能力为目标函数进行了优化。算例表明该算法具有同时捕获—组解的能力,对于解决多目标优化问题具有很强的适应性和合理的优化结果,是一种有效的多目标优化方法。     

Torsional ultrasonic transducer computational design optimization

A torsional piezoelectric ultrasonic sensor design is proposed in this paper and computationally tested and optimized to measure shear stiffness properties of soft tissue. These are correlated with a number of pathologies like tumors, hepatic lesions and others. The reason is that, whereas compressibility is predominantly governed by the fluid phase of the tissue, the shear stiffness is dependent on the stroma micro-architecture, which is directly affected by those pathologies. However, diagnostic tools to quantify them are currently not well developed. The first contribution is a new typology of design adapted to quasifluids. A second contribution is the procedure for design optimization, for which an analytical estimate of the Robust Probability Of Detection, called RPOD, is presented for use as optimality criteria. The RPOD is formulated probabilistically to maximize the probability of detecting the least possible pathology while minimizing the effect of noise. The resulting optimal transducer has a resonance frequency of 28 [kHz].     

Model-based optimization of ultrasonic transducers

Numerical simulation and automated optimization of Langevin-type ultrasonic transducers are investigated. These kind of transducers are standard components in various applications of high-power ultrasonics such as ultrasonic cleaning and chemical processing. Vibration of the transducer is simulated numerically by standard finite element method and the dimensions and shape parameters of a transducer are optimized with respect to different criteria. The novelty value of this work is the combination of the simulation model and the optimization problem by efficient automatic differentiation techniques. The capabilities of this approach are demonstrated with practical test cases in which various aspects of the operation of a transducer are improved.     

Recent developments in vibrating-plate macrosonic transducers

As is known, the stepped-plate transducer [Ultrasonics 16 (6) (1978) 267] represents an optimum system for the efficient generation of high-intensity sonic and ultrasonic radiation in fluid media. Nevertheless, the design of this transducer may be difficult to adapt to some specific problems. Such is the case of the treatment of large volumes in industrial installations. A solution is the enlargement of the surface of the radiating plate. However, that means to work at high-order vibration modes which implies numerous practical problems. Another case is the application of the stepped-plate transducer for the generation at sonic frequencies where the height of the steps of the radiating plate, which has to be half a wavelength of the radiation, becomes too high and it makes the transducer construction impractical. To face these specific situations a series of new designs in transducer development have been recently carried out. This paper presents the characteristics of two new transducer devices, one for the treatment of large industrial volumes and the other for low-frequency sonic applications. Both devices are based on vibrating-plate radiators and represent a novel approach to practical existing problems.     

Optimization of ultrasonic transducers

The so-called KLM-model for ultrasonic transducers is employed to optimize transducer design. Some new performance characteristics are defined which change monotonically with design parameters. These characteristics are based on the area of the envelope of the echo waveform produced by the transducer and of the corresponding amplitude spectrum. The efficiency of the transducer is defined by the round trip energy factor. The performance characteristics are used in a composite performance measure, which is then employed as a criterion in the optimization procedure. Two transducers are investigated: for medical imaging purposes and for spectral analysis of clinical echograms. The influence of electrical matching, backing impedance, matching layer impedance, bond line thickness and series induction on the optimized transducers is investigated.     

超声阵列的多频脉冲压缩方法研究

脉冲压缩方法通过采用编码信号激励与脉冲压缩接收来提高超声检测的时间分辨率和信噪比。然而,受换能器带宽的限制,编码信号的时间带宽积往往有限,影响脉冲压缩效果。开展了基于超声阵列的多频脉冲压缩方法研究,超声阵列是由具有不同中心频率和带宽的多个阵元组成,从而使得整个阵列具有比单个换能器更宽的带宽。提出了压缩后叠加取包络的脉冲压缩方法,并研究了这种方法在提高时间分辨率和主副瓣比上的技术方案,对多频脉冲压缩的超声阵列进行了设计与优化,发现多频脉冲压缩方法能很大程度地提高时间分辨率,并能有效地抑制各阵元信号叠加产生的周期副瓣。理论和实验结果表明,这种压缩后叠加取包络的方法得到的时间分辨率在性能上受阵元带内不平整度的影响很小,能使阵元压缩包络中的主副瓣比得到明显改善。      

Formulation of an Automatic Lens Design Problem by Modification of Weighted Tchebycheff Norm Method

Automatic lens design is viewed as a multiobjective optimization problem and is resolved by a minimization of the weighted Tchebycheff norm of objective functions. It is analytically solved using the multiplier method and a solution vector is transformed into the same form as the normal equation of the least squares method. Some numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. The resultant solutions can not be obtained using the damped least squares method.     

光学薄膜自动设计的多目标优化方法

光学薄膜中已使用的优化方法郜是单目标寻优的,通过分析光学薄膜优化设计的原理,将薄膜设计的物理问题归结为混合离散变量的多目标优化设计的数学模型,并认为这是薄膜设计的一般性模型,现行的单目标优化算法只是这个模型的简化.基于这一新思路,并结合多目标优化算法的研究现状,采用了一种基于免疫应答原理的智能型多目标优化算法.该算法隐含并行处理能力,原理上是具备全局搜索能力的自适应随机性算法.将此算法运用到光学薄膜设计中,给出了一些优化的设计实例.结果表明,将多目标优化算法引入薄膜设计的新思路是可行的,将来会有较好的发展前景.     

空心聚合物微珠/环氧树脂复合材料匹配层空耦式压电换能器

研制了一种厚度模空耦式压电换能器,使用综合考虑材料衰减系数和声阻抗的空耦式压电换能器电力声等效电路理论模型以指导匹配层结构设计和材料选择,选用新型的空心聚合物微珠/环氧树脂复合材料作为声匹配材料,优化设计电阻抗匹配及结构参数。该换能器中心频率为510 kHz,-6 dB频域相对带宽为25.4%,插入损耗为-27 dB。结果表明,使用新型低衰减系数的闭孔复合材料单匹配层设计的该换能器不仅保证了高灵敏度,同时简化了换能器结构,为空耦式压电换能器研制提供了新思路。      

Design of an Acoustic Levitator for Three-Dimensional Manipulation of Numerous Particles

We present a design of an acoustic levitator consisting of three pairs of opposite transducer arrays.Three orthogonal standing waves create a large number of acoustic traps at which the particles are levitated in mid-air.By changing the phase difference of transducer arrays,three-dimensional manipulation of particles is successfully realized.Moreover,the relationship between the translation of particles and the phase difference is experimentally investigated,and the result is in agreement with the theoretical calculation.This design can expand the application of acoustic levitation in many fields,such as biomedicine,ultrasonic motor and new materials processing.     

A new method for inverse electromagnetic casting problems based on the topological derivative

The inverse electromagnetic casting problem consists in looking for a suitable set of electric wires such that the electromagnetic field induced by an alternating current passing through them makes a given mass of liquid metal acquire a predefined shape. In this paper we propose a new method for the topology design of such inductors. The inverse electromagnetic casting problem is formulated as an optimization problem, and topological derivatives are considered in order to locate new wires in the right position. Several numerical examples are presented showing that the proposed technique is effective to design suitable inductors.     

New technology for the design of advanced ultrasonic transducers for high-power applications

A new high-frequency ultrasonic transducer for wire bonding has been conceived, designed, prototyped and tested. In the design phase an advanced approach was used and established. The method is based on the two basic principles of modularity and iteration. The transducer is decomposed to its elementary components. For each component an initial design is obtained with finite elements method (FEM) simulations. The simulated ultrasonic modules are then built and characterized experimentally through laser-interferometry measurements and electrical resonance spectra. The comparison of simulation results with experimental data allows the parameters of FEM models to be iteratively adjusted and optimized. The achieved FEM simulations exhibit a remarkably high-predictive potential and allow full control on the vibration behavior of the ultrasonic modules and of the whole transducer. The new transducer is fixed on the wire bonder with a flange whose special geometry was calculated by means of FEM simulations. This flange allows the converter to be attached on the wire bonder not only in longitudinal nodes but also in radial nodes of the ultrasonic field excited in the horn. This leads to a nearly complete decoupling of the transducer to the wire bonder, which has not been previously obtained. The new approach to mount ultrasonic transducers on a welding-device is of major importance not only for wire bonding but also for all high-power ultrasound applications and has been patented.     

利用PVDF传感器检测激光超声的实验研究

简要介绍了激光超声技术以及声表面波的基本特点、激光超声产生和接收的基本原理及激光超声技术的应用。概述了聚偏二氟乙烯（PVDF）压电薄膜材料的结构、性质和应用，以及薄膜压电性产生的机理。对PVDF换能器的设计思路和实验方法进行了简单讨论。具体实验采用脉冲激光器激发声表面波，利用PVDF传感器接收实验信号，调试实验信号，得出波形，并对实验现象作出初步分析。证实了该实验装置应用于激光超声无损检测的可行性与可靠性。     

Estimation of some transducer parameters in a broadband piezoelectric transmitter by using an artificial intelligence technique

An estimation procedure to efficiently find approximate values of internal parameters in ultrasonic transducers intended for broadband operation would be a valuable tool to discover internal construction data. This information is necessary in the modelling and simulation of acoustic and electrical behaviour related to ultrasonic systems containing commercial transducers. There is not a general solution for this generic problem of parameter estimation in the case of broadband piezoelectric probes. In this paper, this general problem is briefly analysed for broadband conditions. The viability of application in this field of an artificial intelligence technique supported on the modelling of the transducer internal components is studied. A genetic algorithm (GA) procedure is presented and applied to the estimation of different parameters, related to two transducers which are working as pulsed transmitters. The efficiency of this GA technique is studied, considering the influence of the number and variation range of the estimated parameters. Estimation results are experimentally ratified.     

The optimum bandwidth of chirp signals in ultrasonic applications

A new formula for the pulse-compression ratio achievable with linear FM pulses (chirp signals) in ultrasonic applications is derived. The calculations take into account the frequently omitted effects of the transfer function of an ultrasonic transducer. For a squared-cosine type transducer spectrum, the optimum chirp signal bandwidth is 1.14 times the 6 dB bandwidth of the transducer. The pulse-compression ratio is 2.24 dB lower than in the case of an ideal broadband transducer. Measurements show a close agreement with the presented theory.     

Design of an optimal shock-damping isolator with application to casters

Design of an optimal shock-damping isolator is presented in this paper with specific application to casters. The design is first formulated as an optimization problem to minimize the peak acceleration of a load while keeping the maximal deflection of the isolator within a specified physical limit. The resulting solution is a constant force isolator. However, it is difficult to realize a constant force isolator with conventional mechanisms using linear springs and dampers. To implement such an isolator physically, a novel mechanism employing multiple linear springs has been developed. The structure and the parameters of the springs have been chosen by optimization techniques, and the resulting mechanism has been embodied in a prototype caster design. This paper presents the concept, design procedure, simulation and experimental evaluation results of a prototype optimal shock-damping caster in detail. The peak acceleration of this new design is only 65% of the existing caster. From a manufacturing point of view, this newly designed caster is not much more complex than existing ones.     

基于2-2型压电复合材料的新型宽频带径向振动超声换能器

本文提出了一种基于2-2型压电复合材料的新型宽频带径向振动超声换能器,它主要由内金属圆环和外压电陶瓷复合材料圆环组成.首先利用Newnham串并联理论和均匀场理论推导了2-2型压电复合材料的等效参数;其次利用解析法得到了金属圆环和径向极化压电复合陶瓷圆环径向振动的机电等效电路;最后得到了换能器的六端机电等效电路,从而得到了换能器的频率方程.接着分析了换能器共振频率和反共振频率以及有效机电耦合系数与几何尺寸、两相体积占比的关系,采用仿真软件对新型换能器的径向振动进行了数值模拟.结果表明,利用解析法得到的共振频率和反共振频率与数值模拟结果吻合较好.此外,对换能器在水下的辐射声场进行了仿真研究,结果表明新型复合材料径向换能器相比传统纯陶瓷径向换能器,发射电压响应幅值更大,工作带宽提高接近一倍,声匹配更佳.