Directivity of conformal‐baffled cylindrical transducers

The theoretical and experimental directivity patterns, radiation impedance, and source levels of piezoelectric cylindrical rings with conformal acoustic baffles will be presented. A model was implemented with matlab to simulate the directivity response of various baffled cylindrical piezoelectric transducers. The cylinder is modeled by assuming a vibrating cylindrical element with constant surface velocity as outlined by Morse [Vibration and Sound, 3rd ed.] and adding complications due to effects of the conformal acoustic baffle. A number of devices of practical importance have been fabricated and tested. Results for conformal baffles ranging from 180 to 250 deg of coverage are presented and are compared with experimental results using different baffle designs and at various frequencies.