Laser generation of narrow-band and directed ultrasound

An aluminium hemicylindrical sample has been irradiated with an array of laser lines, with each line acting as a source of acoustic waves. Detection of the generated ultrasonic waves was performed using both a wide-band stabilized Michelson interferometer and a 20 MHz piezoelectric transducer. Experimental and theoretical results are presented which reveal that the use of a spatially modulated laser source produces significant narrow-banding of the detected ultrasound, compared with a single point or single line source case. Additionally, for a given line spacing, ultrasound of a particular frequency can be directed. Owing to the nature of the acoustic signals generated by each individual array element, superposition of several signals does not result in any energy directivity similar to that encountered in phase electromagnetic array antennas. While time or frequency feature enhancement may be obtained in a desired direction, in most cases the far field energy directivity pattern is simply the incoherent sum of the energy directivity of each array element.     

非等间距高频波导线阵列指向性研究

研究了非等间距高频波导组成的线阵列的远场垂直指向性。提出了更符合实际应用的高频波导线阵列非等间距排列模型。通过分析同相点声源阵列的指向性,结合扬声器线阵列乘积理论得到了计算所提出模型远场垂直指向性的方法,对模型进行了有限元仿真,并实验验证了理论计算值的准确性,最后分析了高频波导线阵列非等间距排列对指向性的影响。结果表明:该方法简单有效。在有效辐射率相等的情况下,非等间距高频波导线阵列与等间距线阵列的远场指向性主瓣差异很小。      

Lens-focused transducer modeling using an extended KLM model

The goal of this work was to develop an extended ultrasound transducer model that would optimize the trade-off between accuracy of the calculation and computational time. The derivations are presented for a generalized transducer model, that is center frequency, pulse duration and physical dimensions are all normalized. The paper presents a computationally efficient model for lens-focused, circular (axisymmetric) single element piezoelectric ultrasound transducer. Specifically, the goal of the model is to determine the lens effect on the electro-acoustic response, both on focusing and on matching acoustic properties. The effective focal distance depends on the lens geometry and refraction index, but also on the near field limit, i.e. wavelength and source radius, and on the spectrum bandwidth of the ultrasound source. The broadband (80%) source generated by the transducer was therefore considered in this work. A new model based on a longitudinal-wave assumption is presented and the error introduced by this assumption is discussed in terms of its maximum value (16%) and mean value (5.9%). The simplified model was based on an extension of the classical KLM model for transducer structures and on the related assumptions. The validity of the implemented extended KLM model was evaluated by comparison with finite element modeling, itself previously validated analytically for the one-dimensional planar geometry considered. The pressure field was then propagated using the adequate formulation of the Rayleigh integral for both the extended KLM and finite element results. The simplified approach based on the KLM model delivered the focused response with good accuracy, and hundred-fold lower calculation time in comparison with a mode comprehensive FEM method. The trade-off between precision and time thus becomes compatible with an iterative procedure, used here for the optimization of the acoustic impedance of the lens for the chosen configuration. An experimental comparison was performed and found to be in good agreement with such an extension of the KLM model. The experiments confirm the accuracy of such a model in a validity domain up to −12 dB on the pulse-echo voltage within a relative error of 9% between experiment and modeling. This extended KLM model can advantageously be used for other transducer geometries satisfying the assumption of a predominantly longitudinal vibration or in an optimization procedure involving an adequate criteria for a particular application.     

指向性辐射器的简正波声场

本文讨论比较一般的指向性辐射器在分层介质中的声场,并将指向性概念应用于简正波计算。结果表明,对无方向性点源的简正波表示式补充以指向性激发函数,就可得到指向性辐射器的简正波声场,而指向性激发函数与辐射器的位置及指向特性有关。文中还分别计算了具有垂直对称性、反对称性、单边指向性以及尖锐指向性的辐射器的简正波声场。对于均匀水层中的垂直线阵,若源的分布函数正比于某一简正波的本征函数,则指向性激发函数的零点正好对应于其他简正波的本征射线的方向。 关键词：     

Non-contact optical fibre phased array generation of ultrasound for non-destructive evaluation of materials and processes

The use of non-contact laser techniques for the generation of ultrasound has extended the limits of the application of traditional ultrasonic techniques. This paper focusses on the use of one such non-contact laser technique, known as ‘optical fibre array’, to generate shear and surface waves. The shear wave experimental directivity pattern results are presented and compared with the theoretical results of a single source and an array source. The experimental directivity results for the surface wave are also presented, and compared with the theoretical results. The data show that the array enhances signal generation in the forward direction for both shear and surface waves. The array gain is also discussed. The receiver for the directivity measurements was a contact piezoelectric transducer.     

Influence of stacking sequence on scattering characteristics of the fundamental anti-symmetric Lamb wave at through holes in composite laminates

This paper investigates the scattering characteristics of the fundamental anti-symmetric (A(0)) Lamb wave at through holes in composite laminates. Three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) simulations and experimental measurements are used to study the physical phenomenon. Unidirectional, bidirectional, and quasi-isotropic composite laminates are considered in the study. The influence of different hole diameter to wavelength aspect ratios and different stacking sequences on wave scattering characteristics are investigated. The results show that amplitudes and directivity distribution of the scattered Lamb wave depend on these parameters. In the case of quasi-isotropic composite laminates, the scattering directivity patterns are dominated by the fiber orientation of the outer layers and are quite different for composite laminates with the same number of laminae but different stacking sequence. The study provides improved physical insight into the scattering phenomena at through holes in composite laminates, which is essential to develop, validate, and optimize guided wave damage detection and characterization techniques.     

优化扬声器阵列的指向性与声功率级

提出了同时优化扬声器阵列的指向性和声功率级的方法。运用该方法可以优化扬声器阵列的输入电压分布,获得指向性和声功率级二者兼顾的扬声器阵列。本方法不必使用复杂的与频率相关的信号处理装置。模拟结果和实验测量结果表明该方法是可行的和有效的。     

厅堂声学计算机模型的应用(英)

此处所介绍的厅堂声学计算机模型计算了房间和多功能厅的声学响应。这个模型是以房厅的三维表示为基础的。每个墙面都赋予一个吸声系数,并且分成更小的单元。首先计算了单元间影响系数所组成的矩阵。对于给定的声源,可以计算每个单元收到的能量,并由此定出房厅内任一点的声级,这样又能够算出（ａ）随距离变化的衰减,（ｂ）在任一平面上的声照度,和（ｃ）任一点所收到声能的接收指向性．可以算出房厅内任一被选定点的回波图,作为接收器所在地接收指向性随时间的演变;这么一个特点使得有可能核对目视图象和声图象之间的可能不符。这个软件能够设法任意修改房间的形状,以最优化房间的声学特征．本文列举了一个厅堂声学的研究例,是关于沙特拉伯首都Ｒｉｙａｄｈ的 Ａｈｕｒａ主厅的。     

Optimal two-layer directive microphone array with application in near-field acoustical holography

Conventional near-field acoustical holography (NAH) is generally based on the free-field assumption, which can cause errors when interfering sources are present in practical environments. To cope with this problem, previous research suggested a combined pressure-velocity approach for NAH that provides certain advantages to rejection of interferences. This paper revisits this idea in a broader context of optimal array design and examines the feasibility of using unidirectional microphones in each channel of the array such that the robustness of inverse reconstruction is enhanced against interfering sources. As indicated in the simulation, the numerical noise in finite difference estimation of particle velocity can nullify the advantage of the well-conditioned velocity-based reconstruction. In the proposed approach, the characteristics of each array channel consisting of two microphones are tailored by taking into account not only the directivity, but also the robustness against self-noise. An objective function based on directivity index and white noise gain is exploited in a linear quadratic optimization of a two-element end-fire array. The proposed optimal array is validated in conjunction with the equivalent source model (ESM) -based NAH through numerical simulations, with an interfering source positioned behind the array. The results have shown the directive optimal array has yielded improved quality of images in comparison with conventional approaches in the presence of an interfering source and sensor noise.     

有限波束作用下掩埋球体的散射声场计算

计算并分析了海底掩埋物体的三维散射声场。采用“等效垂直线列阵”方法来进行有限波束的建模,并将浅海波导中点声源散射声场的波数积分计算方法,推广到有限波束作用下海底掩埋物体的散射场计算,本文导出了物体位于沉积层中的散射声场计算公式。计算结果表明,在波导中垂直面内的散射声场,与沉积层中点源形成的声场非常相似;当距离较远时,散射声波呈柱面波衰减。文章还分析利用海面反射以提高散射能量的可能性,表明波束指向性及波束宽度对散射声场有较大影响。     

Investigation of transmit and receive performance at the fundamental and third harmonic resonance frequency of a medical ultrasound transducer

In this study, the phenomenon of higher harmonic thickness resonance of a piezoelectric transducer was used to investigate potentially additional sensitivity at the third harmonic frequency for conventional medical transducers. The motivation for this research is that some applications in medical ultrasound (e.g. third harmonic transmit phasing and contrast imaging) need probes which are sensitive around both the fundamental and third harmonic frequencies, and that these higher harmonic thickness modes, although often considered as undesired, might be used beneficially. The novelty aspect in this study is the presented transmit and receive potential at both the fundamental and third harmonic of a conventional cardiac probe with modified electrical tuning. Elements of an experimental PZT-based phased-array probe (f_c = 3 MHz, 64 elements, element width = 0.3 mm, elevation aperture = 13 mm) were electrically retuned with series inductors around the third harmonic resonance frequency at 10 MHz. Hydrophone measurements with 10-MHz-tuned elements showed that, as compared to a conventionally tuned element, the transmit transfer function at the third harmonic increased more than 23 dB, while the sensitivity at the fundamental frequency was only 6 dB lower. Pulse-echo measurements showed that the two-way transfer function of a 10-MHz-tuned element resulted in 20 dB increased sensitivity around the third harmonic as compared to an untuned element. Simulated transfer functions, from both a 1D KLM and 2D finite element model of an element of the experimental array transducer, confirmed the measured sensitivity peaks at the fundamental and third harmonic. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the effect of changing the electrical tuning on a conventional array transducer which increased the sensitivity around the third harmonic resonance frequency, while maintaining good sensitivity at the fundamental frequency.     

Directionality of generalized acoustic sensors of arbitrary order

For several decades there has been a great deal of interest in acoustic sensors that can make multiple measurements at a single point in the ocean. The order of such sensors has been defined by linking it to the order of the Taylor series approximation of the pressure field at that point. Following this definition, the pressure, vector, and dyadic sensor is of order zero, one, and two, respectively. For this theoretical study, a multichannel three-dimensional spatial filter is derived for a directional acoustic sensor of arbitrary order. Explicit formulas are found for the filter coefficients that maximize the array gain (directivity index) of the filter as well as an explicit expression for the maximum array gain (directivity index). This process is repeated for the case of a first-order null placed in the direction opposite to the look direction of the multichannel filter. Finally, an example is presented which tracks the array gain and beamwidth of a third-order acoustic sensor as the order of the null is assigned values 0, 1, 2, and 3.     

Maximization of the directivity ratio with the desired audible gain level for broadband design of near field loudspeaker arrays

This paper mainly addresses design methods for near field loudspeaker arrays. These methods have been studied recently since they can be used to realize a personal audio space without the use of headphones. From a practical view point, they can also be used to form a directional sound beam within a short distance from the sources especially using a linear loudspeaker array. In this regard, we re-analyzed the previous near field beamforming methods in order to obtain a comprehensive near field beamforming formulation. Broadband directivity control is proposed for multi-objective optimization, which maximizes the directivity with the desired gain, where both the directivity and the gain are commonly used array performance measures. This method of control aims to form a directive sound beam within a short distance while widening the frequency range of the beamforming. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that broadband directivity control achieves higher directivity and gain over our whole frequency range of interest compared with previous beamforming methods.     

New estimation methods of erase band width and track-edge noise in perpendicular magnetic recording

In order to realize higher track density, improving recording resolution and noise at track edge is one of the crucial issues. It has been considered that the erase band (EB), which appears at track-edge, can suppress the cross-talk noise from the adjacent track. On the other hand, the EB consists of a randomly magnetized area that may emanate track-edge noise. In this study, we estimated the accurate EB width by a newly proposed technique and derived analytical formula of the 747 curve with large EB noise. As a result, we found that the peak of track-edge noise was outside the EB and the EB was enough of a noise source at track edge and may be obstructive to the improvement of track density. A bump of 747 curve was produced in the case of little noise of EB. There is a close relationship between the shape of the 747 curve and the EB noise.     

cMUT阵元的声学分析与环形扫描成像

电容式微机械超声换能器(cMUT)具有宽带宽、灵敏度高、机械阻抗低和与电子电路集成制造等优点.由于超声换能器声场设计的好坏决定了成像质量的优劣,为了明确阵元参数与辐射声场的关系,该文对不同的阵元参数进行了计算仿真.与压电陶瓷超声换能器的结构不同,cMUT阵元是由多个电容单元(cell)并联构成.因此分析了cell的半径...     

Incorporating source directionality into outdoor sound propagation calculations

Many outdoor sound sources, such as aircraft or ground vehicles, exhibit directional radiation patterns. However, long-range sound propagation algorithms are usually formulated for omnidirectional point sources. This paper describes two methods for incorporating directional sources into long-range sound propagation algorithms. The first is the equivalent source method (ESM), which determines a compact distribution of omnidirectional point sources reproducing a given directivity pattern in the far field. This method can be used with any propagation algorithm because it explicitly reconstructs a source function as a set of point sources with certain amplitudes and positions. The second is a directional starter method (DSM), which is developed specifically for the parabolic equation (PE) algorithms. This method derives narrow- or wide-angle directional starter fields, corresponding to a given source directivity pattern, without reconstructing the equivalent source distribution. Although the ESM can also be used for the PE, the DSM is simpler and can be more convenient, especially if the sound propagation is calculated only for one or a few azimuthal directions. While these two methods are found to produce generally distinct starter fields, they nonetheless yield identical directivity patterns.     

Numerical technique to reduce cross-coupling in acoustical arrays

Applicability of finite element method to optimize the far-field directivity pattern of an individual element in a piezoelectric transducer array is reported. The FEM algorithm calculates the electrical potentials needed to be applied to the two elements which are immediate neighbours to the element being activated in order to minimize acoustic cross-coupling. The feasibility of the algorithm was successfully tested using a simple five elements array made of conventional PZT-5H piezoelectric ceramic material.     

Noise analysis and design optimization due to pattern processing in perpendicular patterned media

In patterned media, shape characteristics of dots due to processing fluctuation and resolution will become the main source of the noise. The noise due to the roughness of edge line and roundness by the lithographical resolution was analyzed in this paper. Firstly, edge line roughness was re-created by the method in the semiconductor field, and dot physical pattern was generated. We added the physical pattern roundness due to lithographical resolution varied with the ratio of decreased area by over etching. The result indicated those noise sources caused fatal errors. The processing guidance of the dot was formulated.     

Influence of vehicle noise emission directivity on sound level distribution in a canyon street. Part I: Simulation program test

Simulation programs may be useful tools for controlling an environmental noise. The computer simulation program PROP11 that enables predictions of the time-average sound level within an urban system is used here. A roadway as a noise source is represented by a sum of the sound exposures due to individual vehicle pass-bys. Different representations of equivalent point sources for various classes of vehicles are allowed including directivity characteristics other than omnidirectional. Propagation throughout an urban system contains multi-reflections from the walls and single and double diffraction at their edges. In this paper, the PROP11 program is used to predict the sound level between opposing façades of buildings in a canyon street. A multi-lane road is assumed to contain two classes of vehicles (light and heavy) ones. The equivalent source representing vehicles is defined by the source power spectrum, its position above the ground and directivity characteristics. The consequences of introducing equivalent source directivity are analyzed.     

Ultrasonic transducers using electron-irradiated vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene copolymers

Single-element, planar transducers have been fabricated using electron-irradiated poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) 80/20 mol% copolymers with different electron dosage. Electrical field-induced strain response of copolymer film with 100 Mrad dosage has been studied at 5 kHz and the electrostrictive coefficient was calculated. The transmitting response of the air-backing and epoxy-backing transducers was evaluated with the application of high DC bias voltages. Clear ultrasonic amplitudes and high frequency spectrum (>20 MHz) were observed when driven from a standard ultrasonic voltage source through a decoupling circuit. It has also showed that larger generation of ultrasonic waves will be induced under high DC bias field, which is due to the increase of induced d(33) piezoelectric coefficient. Two different polar bias voltages, positive and negative, were applied to the transducers and inverse waveforms were received, which was coincident with the theoretical analysis of the strain response of electrostrictive film.