A time-domain numerical model for simulating the acoustic field of a high-amplitude focused source in biological media

A time-domain numerical model for simulating acoustic pulse focusing in biological media with a symmetrical source geometry is presented in this model, the main effects responsible in finite-amplitude, focused wave propagation in a dissipative and nonlinear medium are taken into account. These effects, i.e. absorption, nonlinearity and diffraction, are treated independently using the method of fractional steps with an operator-splitting algorithm. Using this model the acoustic pressure field generated by a focused shock-wave generator has been simulated and very good agreement in the shape of theoretical and experimental pressure-time waveforms was obtained.