Hybrid test bench for high repetition rate radial shock wave measurement

Radial shock wave therapy is used for different therapeutic indications. In order to assess the effect on the treated tissue, it is important to know the sound field parameters. However, it is challenging to measure the pressure curves of ballistic devices, especially at high pulse repetition rates. In the new standard IEC 63045:2020 two possibilities for sound field measurements of non-focusing devices are described, a wet and a dry test bench. The whole sound field can be characterised using a wet test bench, but the process is cumbersome and cavitation is likely to occur at high pulse repetition rates. This effect is avoided using a dry test bench where the measurement position is limited to a single spot. Therefore, a hybrid test bench was developed combining the dry bench’s device mounting and coupling with a small water basin. The ballistic device was coupled to the basin filled with degassed ultrapure water using a latex membrane covered with ultrasound gel and the contact pressure was applied with a spring. A fibre optic probe hydrophone was used for the sound field measurements. The pressure curves of every 10th shot were measured on the beam axis in a distance of 1mm to the membrane. The device was analysed at 3.5 bar with different pulse repetition rates (1 Hz, 10 Hz, 20 Hz). The test setup enables an easy handling and reproducible results at all pulse repetition rates. The ballistic device provides constant peak pressures over different frequencies. The small water basin has the advantage that the water quality is easy to control and the measuring process is fast and uncomplicated. Cavitation suppression requires a clean water basin filled with degassed ultrapure water kept at a constant, low temperature. The hybrid test bench can be used to easily study shock wave parameters of ballistic devices at high repetition rates.