Optimal design of an ultrasonic transducer

An ultrasonic transducer, consisting of two piezoelectric ceramic disks and two resonance rods, is optimized with respect to the shape of the two resonance rods in order to maximize the amplitude of the vibrating tip. The mathematical model is presented and a finite element model of the transducer is set up. Harmonic analysis (forced vibration) is used for calculation of resonance frequency, vibration mode, amplitude and phase. The resulting optimal shape is presented. The numerical analysis shows that the new design improves the amplitude 4.0 times. The improved transducer has been tested against the standard transducer and experiments show good agreement with theoretical results. A special design of the ultrasonic transducer for sonar applications has also been investigated. Applications of the improved ultrasonic transducer are more efficient transducers in high energy applications such as ultrasonic welding, drilling, disruption, cleaning, and sonar and underwater communication.