Finite element study on 1-D array transducer design.

A comprehensive study using finite element analysis (FEA) was performed on 1-D transducer arrays. Crosstalk reduction, subdicing effects, directivity pattern, and baffle effects were quantified numerically. It was found that the directivity pattern strongly depends on the transducer size and kerf filling materials. The FEA is particularly powerful in revealing the inhomogeneous nature of the vibrational characteristics of the transducer surface, which allows more accurate beam pattern computation in 3-D. The simulated directivity pattern also was satisfactorily verified by experimental measurements.