2022 journal article
Multiscale and multiphysics FEA simulation and materials optimization for laser ultrasound transducers
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS, 31.
author keywords: Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); Finite element analysis (FEA); Multiscale modeling; Acoustic emission; Laser ultrasound transducer
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being
(Web of Science)
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
(OpenAlex)
Source: Web Of Science
Added: June 20, 2022
The relationship between the nanocomposite design and the laser ultrasound transducer (LUT) characteristics was investigated through simulations in multiple scale levels for material behavior, device response, and acoustic wave propagation in media. First, the effects of the nanoparticle size and concentration on the effective properties of composites were quantitatively investigated with the finite element analysis (FEA) method. Second, the effective properties of the nanocomposite were assigned to the layer, which is modeled as a homogeneous material, in the FEA for the LUT simulating the energy conversion from the incident laser to the acoustic wave. Finally, the ultrasound propagation in the water was calculated by a theoretical wave propagation model. The FEA-based prediction was compared with the experimental data in the literature and a theoretical analysis for LUT based on Thermal-Acoustic coupling. As a result, the ultrasound waves on the transducer surface and at a distance in the water could be predicted. Based on the hierarchically integrated prediction procedure, the optimal conditions of the photoacoustic nanocomposites were investigated through the parametric study with the particle size and concentration as variables. The results guide the material designs optimized for different device characteristics, such as high pressure and broad bandwidth.