Design, Modeling and Fabrication of a Novel Class V Flextensional Transducer: The Sea-Shell

In this study, a novel class V flextensional transducer (FT) was developed by assembling symmetrically convex ceramic and metal caps to form a seashell-like structure. The transducer was designed and analyzed using ATILA finite element analysis (FEA) software. The diameter, thickness, and radius of curvature of the ceramic and metal shells have been investigated as design parameters. The transducer was found to display four distinct flextensional modes in addition to the main radial resonance mode between 1 and 200 kHz frequency range. Prototypical devices were fabricated from four different commercial lead zirconate titanate (PZT) compositions and underwater performances were compared. Transmitting voltage responses (TVRs) were observed to range between 120 and 135 dB (ref 1 μ Pa/V) at frequencies above 50 kHz.