Acoustic cymbal transducers-design, hydrostatic pressure compensation, and acoustic performance

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Authors
Jenne, Kirk E.
Subjects
Acoustics calibration
Underwater acoustics
Underwater sound
Transducer
Flextensional
Acoustic cymbal
Broadband
USRD
APTF
Piezoceramic
Array elements
Hydrostatic pressure
Pressure compensation
Sonar
Advisors
Howarth, Thomas R.
Huang, Dehua
Hofler, Thomas J.
Date of Issue
2004-03
Date
March 2004
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Continuing U.S. Navy interest in the development of light-weight, low-volume, broadband, underwater acoustic projectors and receivers is the principal motivation for this research topic. Acoustic cymbal transducers, so named for their geometric similarity to the percussion instruments, are miniature "class V" flextensional transducers that consist of a piezoelectric ceramic drive element bonded to two opposing cymbal-shaped metal shells. Operating as mechanical transformers, the two metal shells convert the naturally large generative force of a piezoelectric ceramic in the radial mode into increased volume displacement at the metal shell surface to obtain usable source levels and sensitivities in a broad frequency range. The magnified displacement makes the acoustic cymbal element a potential alternative to acoustic transduction technologies presently used to generate and receive Navy sonar frequencies. Potential benefits to utilizing this technology are generating or receiving broadband sound, at sonar frequencies in a thin, low volume, conformable package. Applications of this technology have been limited because air-backed acoustic cymbal elements undergo degradation in performance when exposed to elevated hydrostatic pressure (i.e., deep ocean and extreme littoral water applications). This research shows that consistent and reliable acoustic performance can be achieved with cymbal-based transducers at hydrostatic pressures of interest to the Navy.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Engineering Acoustics Academic Committee
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xviii, 79 p. : ill. (some col.)
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
Collections