Enhanced vibration performance of ultrasonic block horns

Block horns are tuned components designed to vibrate in a longitudinal mode at a low ultrasonic frequency. Reliable performance of such horns is normally associated with the amplitude of vibration, uniformity of vibration amplitude at the working surface and the avoidance of modal participation by non-tuned modes at the operating frequency. In order to maximise vibration amplitude uniformity, standard slotting configurations are included in the horn design. However, defining a slotted block geometry which guarantees sufficient tuned frequency isolation from nearby modes as well as high amplitude and amplitude uniformity, is not straightforward. This paper discusses horn configurations which satisfy these criteria and investigates the design requirements of block horns which operate as intermediate components in ultrasonic systems, where the block horn dominates the vibration behaviour of the system. The importance of mode shape characterisation is discussed and modes are classified using experimental data from 3D laser Doppler vibrometer measurements and finite element analysis. In particular, the role of additional fine slots and castellations are studied with reference to two distinct ultrasonic applications involving a similar block horn.