Ultrasonic probes simultaneously producing one longitudinal and two shear waves and their potential applications

Ultrasonic probes which can simultaneously generate and receive two orthogonal polarized shear (S⊥ and S//) and longitudinal (L) waves in screw shape have been presented. Thick piezoelectric films are directly fabricated onto the heads of such probes as L wave integrated ultrasonic transducers. S⊥ and S// waves are obtained using mode conversion method. Application of such probes for on-line polymer injection molding process diagnostics is demonstrated.