A Numerical Solution of the Second-Order-Nonlinear Acoustic Wave Equation in One and in Three Dimensions

摘要

The effects of moderate nonlinearity on the propagation of sound are appreciable, and become dominant at very high amplitudes. These effects and the phenomena of linear acoustics are described by the second-order-nonlinear wave equation, which is derived in this thesis and solved by numerical means. The validity of the solution is demonstrated by its agreement with various approximations in their domains of applicability, and by its reproduction of results derived from experiments. Using the numerical solution in simulation of the operation of acoustic transducers at finite amplitudes, conclusions are presented concerning the amount of energy that may be transmitted to the far field by various types of signals. (Author)