Ultrasonic transducer for flow measurement
An ultrasonic transducer is provided. The ultrasonic transducer can be configured for flow metering applications and can include a head mass, a tail mass, and a spanning element joining the head mass with the tail mass. At least one cavity can be created in the head mass, tail mass, or spanning element using additive manufacturing. A method of manufacturing is also provided. The method of manufacturing can include forming a head mass utilizing a first process of additive manufacturing. The method of manufacturing can also include forming a tail mass utilizing a second process or additive manufacturing. The method of manufacturing can further include joining the head mass and the tail mass by a spanning element.
1. An ultrasonic transducer, comprising:
a head mass formed of a first material;
a tail mass formed of a second material;
a spanning element connecting the head mass and the tail mass, wherein the spanning element comprises a bolt located within or outside of at least one piezo crystal; and
the at least one piezo crystal positioned along the element; wherein, the head mass, tail mass, or spanning element includes at least one cavity.
2. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , further comprising a shell surrounding the head mass.
3. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cavity comprises a plurality of concentric cavities.
4. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein the head mass comprises a conical shape having a distal diameter greater than a proximal diameter.
5. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the head mass and the tail mass includes a protrusion for receiving the bolt.
6. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein the first material is different from the second material.
7. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein the head mass is formed from the first material using a first process of additive manufacturing, and the tail mass is formed from the second material using a second process of additive manufacturing.
8. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cavity includes a plurality of cavities.
9. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of cavities include different volumes.
10. An ultrasonic transducer, comprising:
a head mass;
a shape changing element coupled to the head mass;
a tail mass;
a spanning element connecting the head mass and the tail mass; and
at least one piezo crystal positioned along the element; wherein the head mass is configured to have a first configuration and a second configuration different from the first configuration.
11. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 10 , wherein in the first configuration the shape changing element comprises a contracted configuration at a first temperature and in the second configuration the shape changing element comprises an expanded configuration at a second temperature.
12. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 10 , wherein the head mass comprises a fluid and magnetic particles dispersed within the fluid.
13. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 12 , wherein the first configuration comprises the magnetic particles aligned.
14. The ultrasonic transducer of claim 12 , wherein the second configuration comprises the magnetic particles unaligned.