Piezoelectric slotted ring transducer

Analytical treatment of a slotted piezoelectric ceramic ring transducer vibrating in flexure is presented. The mode shape of the slotted ring vibration is determined, and parameters of the equivalent electromechanical circuit of the transducer are calculated. Possibilities to optimize the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient of the transducer by combining active and passive materials are considered. Acoustic loading for typical projectors made from slotted rings is estimated. Challenges in implementing the slotted ring transducers in terms of depth limitation and radiated power are discussed. (C) 2013 Acoustical Society of America.