Prediction of surface temperature rise of ultrasonic diagnostic array transducers

Temperature rise at the surface of an ultrasound transducer used for diagnostic imaging is an important factor in patient safety and regulatory compliance. This paper presents a semianalytical model that is derived from first principles of heat transfer and is simple enough to be implemented in a commercial ultrasound scanner for real-time forecasting of transducer surface temperature. For modeling purposes, one-dimensional array transducers radiating into still air are considered. Promising experimental verification data are shown and practical implementation benefits of the model for thermal design and management of ultrasonic array transducers are discussed. In particular, the reduction in the amount of thermal characterization data required, compared to empirical models, shows promise.