Ultrasound transducer modeling-received voltage signals and the use of half-wavelength window layers with acoustic coupling layers

A general set of modeling equations for lossless one-dimensional multilayer ultrasound transducers is presented based on first principles. In particular, a direct relationship between ultrasound transducer results and the underlying physical principles of electroacoustics is given. As such, the model may provide better physical understanding for designers not fully versed in electrical circuits theory or in linear system analyses. The model is suitable for time-domain analysis and monofrequency design. Special attention is given to the determination of the time-dependent voltage across the receiver electrodes subject to a general voltage input, but information on any (dynamic) variable of interest is provided. The basic equations governing the dynamics of the multilayer structure acting as transmitter as well as receiver are solved by Fourier analysis and by imposing continuity of velocity and pressure between layers. Sound transmission between the two piezoelectric circuits is assumed to take place in a water bath such that the Rayleigh equation can be used to obtain the incoming pressure at the receiver aperture from the acceleration of the opposing transmitter aperture. Comparison with experimental results is possible by allowing coupling to external electric impedances. A numerical test case using a multilayered 1-MHz transducer for flow meter applications was considered and good agreement with experiments was obtained in terms of voltage signals. The transducer contains a half-wavelength stainless steel layer needed to resist corrosion, the ability to operate at temperatures in a wide range from 20 to 150/spl deg/ Celsius, resistance to impact from flowing particles in the medium, high pressure or vacuum, and pH values up to 10 in some locations. The influence of epoxy glue and grease acoustic coupling layers-between the piezoceramics and the stainless steel layer-in the range from 1 to 70 /spl mu/m was examined. It was shown that, for the same layer thickness, epoxy glue is preferred as compared with grease, both in terms of signal shapes and amplitudes. Finally, inclusion of appropriate electric impedances in the transmitter and receiver circuits is found to affect signal pulses strongly.