Acoustic transducer with liquid-immersed, pre-stressed piezoelectric actuator in acoustic impedance matched transducer housing

摘要

A liquid-filled acoustic transducer for finishing an exposed surface of a work medium, such as plastic concrete, transmits acoustic energy generated within an enclosed liquid medium, through a transducer housing member, and into the exterior work medium. Acoustic waves are generated by electrically-actuated liquid-immersed piezoelectric elements housed within the device. The efficiency with which acoustic waves are transmitted from the interior of the device to the adjacent work medium is enhanced by providing an intermediate transducer housing member, disposed between the liquid in which the piezoelectric elements are immersed and the work medium, having acoustic impedances at its two major surfaces matching the respective acoustic impedances of the respective interfacing media and a continuous acoustic impedance gradient between those two surfaces.