Modeling, monitoring and control of continuous wave ultrasonic systems

Power ultrasonic systems use high-efficiency transducers with continuous (or quasi-continuous) wave excitation. In such systems, the acoustic environment in the reactor and the ultrasonic transducer are very closely coupled. This means that in planning, executing and controlling experiments the entire system must be taken into account. This paper describes a simple transfer-matrix model that provides useful, quantitative insight in the operation of such systems, including the relationship between the easily measured electrical input quantities and the elusive acoustical field in the reactor. An example is given and compared with experimental data. The literature references supplied will allow the reader to readily implement the model for his own use.