A new Navy calibration standard transducer using 1-3 piezocomposite

Abstract

The design, fabrication, and acoustic calibration of a new 1-3 piezocomposite based U.S. Navy standard (USRD-F82) is presented. The F82 dual array/parametric mode projector may be used as a reciprocal linear transducer, or may be used to exploit the non-linear properties of the water to produce highly directional acoustic beams (4 to 2 deg.) at relatively low frequencies (5 to 60 kHz respectively). As a result of its wide bandwidth, a broad range of primary as well as secondary frequencies of operation are possible. In the linear mode of operation the transducer provides two separate arrays to be addressed topside for either transmit or receive applications. The two circular apertures are centered on the acoustic axis and have active diameters of 22.8 cm (9-inches) and 5.1 cm (2-inches). The smaller array aperture could be used to obtain less directional acoustic beams at relative high frequencies. Due to the absence of air filled pressure release components the transducer will operate over most ocean pressures and temperatures. A general description of the 1-3 piezocomposite based transducer configuration, and measured performance are presented.