A framework for simulating ultrasound imaging based on first order nonlinear pressure-velocity relations

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Acoustics
• Computational Physics

Background:

• Ultrasound imaging relies on accurate simulation of wave propagation.
• Modeling nonlinear ultrasound effects is crucial for advanced imaging applications.
• Existing simulation methods have limitations in accuracy and scope.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel ultrasound imaging framework.
• To simulate both linear and nonlinear ultrasound propagation and reflections.
• To validate the framework's accuracy against established methods.

Main Methods:

• Utilized first-order nonlinear pressure-velocity relations (NPVR).
• Implemented a half-time staggered solution and pseudospectral method.
• Simulated 2D and 3D fields with arbitrary initialization parameters.

Main Results:

• Achieved low root mean square (RMS) errors for linear propagation (e.g., 3% with ASA).
• Demonstrated accuracy for nonlinear propagation, with RMS errors comparable to Abersim.
• Showcased error reduction in nonlinear simulations by increasing sampling frequency.

Conclusions:

• The developed NPVR framework accurately simulates linear and nonlinear ultrasound propagation.
• The framework provides a versatile tool for generating simulated ultrasound channel data.
• This approach enhances the potential for high-fidelity ultrasound imaging simulations.