Metal Ceramic Segmented Ring Transducer under Deep Submergence Conditions

Subash Chandrabose M R; Shan Victor Pereira; Jayakumar B; Ebenezer D. D.

doi:10.14429/dsj.67.11201

Subash Chandrabose M R Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi - 682 021
Shan Victor Pereira Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi - 682 021
Jayakumar B Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi - 682 021
Ebenezer D. D. Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi - 682 021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.67.11201

Keywords: Segmented ring transducer, deep submergence, ATILA

Abstract

Segmented ring transducers are widely used for low frequency, broadband, deep submergence applications. These transducers can be made out of piezoceramic wedges or slabs and metallic wedges. Higher diameter, low frequency transducers are generally made out of piezoceramic slabs and metal wedges due to ease of manufacture and low cost. In this paper, metal ceramic segmented ring transducers are modelled using ATILA, a finite element software for the design of underwater transducers. Transducer variants were modelled with different wedge and piezoceramic materials. Transducers modelled were manufactured, assembled and tested. Various stages of manufacture like piezoceramic stacking, transducer assembly, pre-stressing with fibre winding, and encapsulation are explained. Acoustic performances of the transducers manufactured were measured in an open tank and inside a pressurised vessel from 10 bar to 70 bar. Performance parameters like resonance frequency, transmitting voltage response and directivity were measured. Results indicate that the transducer has usable bandwidth of about two octaves and stable response. One of the transducers was also tested in a high pressure test facility at 600 bar to check its pressure withstanding capability.

Author Biographies

Subash Chandrabose M R, Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi - 682 021

Mr M.R. Subash Chandrabose obtained his BTech from College of Engineering Trivandrum and MTech from IIT Madras, Chennai. Presently working as Scientist and the Head and Transducer Group at Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi.

In the present work, he has designed the transducer and wrote the manuscript.

Shan Victor Pereira, Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi - 682 021

Mr Shan Victor Pereira obtained his BTech from NIT Rourkela and M. Tech from IIT Madras, Chennai. Presently working as Scientist at Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi, Currently involved in the acoustic measurements of transducers and materials.

In the present work he has carried out the acoustic measurements and pressure test of transducers.

Jayakumar B, Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi - 682 021

Mr B. Jayakumar obtained his AMIE from Institution of Engineers, India and ME from Anna University, Chennai. Presently working as Scientist at Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi, Currently involved in the development of transducers.

In the present work he has carried out the manufacture of transducers.

Ebenezer D. D., Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi - 682 021

Dr D.D. Ebenezer obtained his BTech (Naval Architecture) from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, and PhD (Ocean Engg.) from the University of Rhode Island, USA, in 1990. Presently working as Associate Director (Transducers & Materials) at Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi. He has published more than 30 papers in international peer reviewed journals. He received DRDO Technology Day Award (2002), and DRDO Science Day Commendation (2005).

In the present work, he has guided the team and reviewed the manuscript.