Macrosonics: Phenomena, transducers and applications

摘要

The field of high-power sonics and ultrasonics is presently known as macrosonics. It comprises a great variety of applications which are generally related with the exploitation of nonlinear phenomena associated to the high amplitudes. Advances in macrosonic applications are very much dependent on the development of suitable transducers and systems for the efficient generation of the effects to be exploited. Thus, applications in solids generally require high stresses to produce friction, heat and other secondary effects. Applications in liquids are generally based on cavitation and require transducers able to reach a certain sound pressure level (cavitation threshold) through a liquid volume. Applications in gases, which are generally based on particle velocity and radiation pressure, require high vibration amplitudes and good impedance matching. This paper deals with some basic aspects of the macrosonic field and makes special emphasis on the transducers used and phenomena exploited for the development of new applications.