Piezocomposite transducer design and performance for high resolution ultrasound imaging transducers

Piezocomposite design for dedicated ultrasonic imaging applications requires precise homogenization models for predicting the electromechanical characteristics of the new material. Thus, several homogenization models have been developed. As part of this work, we applied several analytical homogenization models for piezocomposite of 2–2 and 1–3 connectivities. To validate these analytical models, a comparative study was made between various models and experimental measurements. As a result, these homogenized electromechanical properties are effectively used for the calculation and comparison of electroacoustic response for typical transducers aimed at ultrasound imaging applications. An optimal design of transducer aimed at ultrasound imaging applications is proposed as a dedicated imaging performance index, elaborated through a trade-off between sensitivity and bandwidth.

Wave Propagation Feature in Two-Dimensional Periodic Beam Lattices with Local Resonance by Numerical Method and Analytical Homogenization Approach

In this paper, the analytical homogenization method of Periodic Discrete Media (HPDM) and the numerical Condensed Wave Finite Element Method (CWFEM) are employed to study the wave propagation in two-dimensional periodic beam lattices. The validity of the HPDM is re-evaluated using the wave propagation feature identified by the CWFEM. Particular attention is paid to the polarization direction of the waves. The wave propagation in two directions is investigated while characteristic wave propagation features such as local resonance, veering and locking phenomena are observed. Complementary results are deduced from the two methods.