Numerical technique to reduce cross-coupling in acoustical arrays

Applicability of finite element method to optimize the far-field directivity pattern of an individual element in a piezoelectric transducer array is reported, The FEM algorithm calculates the electrical potentials needed to be applied to the two elements which are immediate neighbours to the element being activated in order to minimize acoustic cross-coupling. The feasibility of the algorithm was successfully tested using a simple five elements array made of conventional PZT-5H piezoelectric ceramic material. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.