Cylindrical PVDF film transmitters and receivers for air ultrasound.

Cylindrical polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film transducers for transmission and reception of 40-kHz ultrasonic waves in air have been investigated. A key feature of such transducers is their omni-directional polar response. An optimized structure comprises a cylindrical PVDF film element resting on a spool without a mechanical bond to it. Various key design equations to obtain the required ultrasonic performance both as transmitter and receiver are shown, which include resonance frequency, acoustic pressure, angle performance, back air cavity effect, and receiver sensitivity. Measurements of actual frequency response of transmitter output and receiver sensitivity, angular performance, back air space effect, and temperature effect are presented. The results agree well with the theoretical predictions. It has been shown that this device is well-suited for practical application as an ultrasonic ranging device.