LAUSR

Abstract We numerically investigate the resonance and vibration characteristics of radial modes of laterally stiffened piezoelectric disc transducers. Lateral stiffening is modelled using a spring and vibration characteristics of the piezo-disc are investigated with increasing lateral stiffness. It is found that the resonant frequency response of the radial modes follows an asymptotic behaviour approaching that of a clamped disc with increasing lateral stiffness. The radial mode vibration pattern of the discs is also found to be affected by lateral stiffness. While the vibration pattern of a free disc corresponds to a Bessel function, laterally stiffened discs show edge-effects where they depart from the Bessel-like behaviour. In addition, a fully clamped piezo-disc is found to have an extra side-lobe when compared to a free disc. Ultrasonic beam profiles generated from radial modes of laterally stiffened discs are numerically investigated. It is found that the free piezo-disc generates a Bessel beam that has multiple side-lobes. Increasing the lateral stiffness results in a significant reduction of side-lobes in the beam profile. This technique of generating a collimated beam with side-lobe reduction finds significant applications in imaging through concrete, drilling mud, and other highly attenuating materials.