Romanian Reports in Physics, Vol. 57, No. 4, P.

979992, 2005

ULTRASOUND UNDERWATER TRANSDUCER

FOR EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE LITHOTRIPSY
(ESWL)
IRINELA CHILIBON1, MARTINE WEVERS2, JEAN-PIERRE LAFAUT3
1

National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics, INOE-2000, 077125, P.O. Box MG 5,
Bucharest, Romania, [email protected]
2
K. U. Leuven, Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering (MTM), Kasteelpark Arenberg 44, B-3001
Leuven (Heverlee), Belgium, [email protected]
3
K. U. Leuven Campus Kortrijk, Interdisciplinary Research Center,
E. Sabbelaan 53, B-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium, [email protected]

(Received June 30, 2005)

Abstract. This paper presents an ultrasound piezoceramic transducer, centred into an

extracorporeal shock wave lithotriptor system. The electromagnetic acoustic source lithotriptor
initiates the incident shock waves into the water, and the ultrasound transducer improves the
caviational effects of the bubbles. The piezoelectric transducer is powered by a Function/Pulse
Generator type IWATSU SG-4511, and converts the electrical signal mechanical vibrations, which
are propagated into the water. The underwater waves, received by the PZT disc sensor, are converted
electrical signals and displayed by an oscilloscope type LeCroy 9310 AM. The transducer exhibits
low resonance frequency, tuneable energy, broad bandwidth, between 16 kHz to 36 kHz, and low
quality factor, that means it is optimum for this application. The extracorporeal shock wave
lithotriptor system generates cavitation bubbles that have an essential role in the disintegration of
renal calculi.
Key words: transducer, ultrasound, lithotripsy, shock waves, UPST, cavitation bubble.

1. INTRODUCTION
When a shock wave generated by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
(ESWL) interacts with a solid, it can create cavitation bubbles at the interface
between the solid and the surrounding liquid. The implosion of the cavitation
bubbles plays an important role in the disintegration of renal calculi [1]. The
generation of large cavitation bubbles is one of the most important areas of
investigation in the search to improve the efficiency of extracorporeal shock wave
lithotripsy, therefore the possibility of an enlargement of the induced cavitation
size should not be ignored. The stresses generated at large bubble implosion are
larger than those generated during incidence of the primary shock wave [2].

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Irinela Chilibon, Martine Wevers, Jean-Pierre Lafaut

To study the cavitation bubble formation process by ESWL shock wave

under different ultrasonic field characteristics, an ultrasonic piezoceramic sandwich
traducer (UPST) has been designed and manufactured.
The UPST converts the electrical oscillations from a signal power generator
mechanical vibrations, and the ultrasonic waves propagate into the water up to the
target. The metallic horn radiator concentrates and amplifies the ultrasonic energy.
The acoustical demands, for a good efficiency, are conditioned by the
necessity to realize a working regime at the resonance frequency of the cavitation
bubble, and limited by some factors, such as: the transducer type, PZT material
properties, the transducer manufacture mode, etc.
The ultrasonic piezoceramic sandwich transducer has three parts: one central
and active vibration source (piezoceramic tores), and two end-metal masses (reflector
and radiator). The active source of vibration is placed inside the transducer body
making one sandwich (metal-piezoceramic) structure bonded by two end-metal
masses.
2. PIEZOCERAMIC MATERIAL PROPERTIES
Piezoelectricity is a property of certain classes of crystalline materials. When
mechanical pressure is applied to one of these materials the crystalline structure
produces a voltage proportional to the pressure. Conversely, when an electrical
field is applied, the structure changes shape producing dimensional changes in the
material. The PZT materials are used to manufacture electromechanical transducers.
Lead zirconate titanate ceramics (PZT) present extremely strong piezoelectric
effects for compositions near the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) [3].
Rhombohedral and tetragonal phases co-exist and are related to the presence of a
maximum of the dielectric constant, a large number of orientable polarization
directions and a maximum mechanical compliance preventing cracking during
domain orientation [4].
The choice of a piezoelectric material depends on the specific application to
which the transducer will be designated. Efficiency for emitters and sensitivity for
receivers are fundamental characteristics, which need to be maximized in ultrasonic
transducers [5]. Both are dependent directly on the electromechanical coupling
factor k, in such a way that high k factor is always desirable.
The electrical properties and dimensions of a piezoelectric transducer are
dependent on the dielectric, piezoelectric and elastic constants of the material.
Thus, for low and medium ultrasonic frequencies (between 20 and a few hundred
kHz) high values of permittivity and elastic compliance can be favorable in
obtaining adequate practical values for electrical impedance and the linear
dimension governing the resonance of the piezoelectric element.

Transducer for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

981

The use of short ultrasonic pulses requires a low mechanical Q factor for a
wide bandwidth, and a compact impulse response. A low Q is not related to the
losses, but especially to a good transfer of acoustic impedance. Thus the acoustic
impedance of the piezoelectric material is an other essential factor. Table 1 from
the [5] lists the most useful properties of lead zirconate titanate ceramics. PZT-5A
has the following characteristics suitable for the emitter sandwich transducer: high
electromechanical coupling factor, high Curie point, low dielectric loss at high
drive, very high permitivity, low Q, high compliance, and stable properties over
time and temperature.
For sensing the underwater acoustic fields, piezoelectric sensors offer unique
capabilities, which are typically not found in other sensing technologies. Piezoelectric sensors have the advantages (such as wide frequency and amplitude range)
and disadvantages (like no static measuring capability), which need to be taken into
account depending on the particular application. Therefore, a PZT disc sensor was
chosen, because it is important to pay close attention to the performance specifications.
A stack of several piezoelectric elements was connected mechanically in
series and electrically in parallel. The displacement of each transducer element
adds to the total displacement. The displacement of the whole stack assembly is
equal to the sum of the individual displacements. Stacks are generally required for
applications requiring large displacements.
It is difficult to make a block of ceramic resonating below about 100 kHz.
Instead a composite half wave resonator is used consisting of two or more
piezoceramic tores sandwiched between metal layers.
3. PIEZOCERAMIC SANDWICH TRANSDUCER DESIGN
The active element of the device is a sandwich transducer, made of two
piezoceramic tores stack with metal cylinders (Fig. 1). This electromechanical
transducer works on the basis of the inverse piezoelectric effect, converting
electrical power into a mechanical displacement in the range of tens of microns. All
device elements are fixed and pre-stressed by a stainless steel screw, which induces
an initial polarization of the piezoceramic stack. The vibration amplitude of the
sandwich radiator depends on PZT tores number, PZT material elasticity
coefficients and the metal elasticity coefficients. Maximum peak to peak
displacements of the transducer radiating face would be in order of tens microns,
when operating at resonance frequency.
The design of a simple metal-piezoceramic-metal sandwich transducer [6] to
resonate at a given fundamental frequency, 2, in the plate thickness direction is
based on the following equation:

982

Irinela Chilibon, Martine Wevers, Jean-Pierre Lafaut

Fig. 1 Simple sandwich

piezoceramic transducer.

lc
A v
A v
l
l
+ arctg 1 1 1 tg 1 + arctg 2 2 2 tg 2 = (or 1800)
vc
Ac c vc v1
Ac c vc v2

(1)

where:
l1, l2, lc:
lengths of the 1st metal, the 2nd metal, ceramic sections,
v1, v2, vc: sound velocities in the 1st metal, the 2nd metal, ceramic sections,
A1, A2, Ac: cross sections of the 1st metal, the 2nd metal, ceramic sections,
1, 2, c: densities of the 1st metal, the 2nd metal, ceramic sections.
If the metal plates are assumed to be identical and the ceramic placed
symmetrically between them, the calculation of the transducer dimensions can be
greatly simplified by approximation. A graphical representation of the general
solution is shown as being a rapid and easy solution of the transducer equation (1),
and one can determine the optimum component lengths of the sandwich transducer.
Fig. 2 is the graphic representation of the equation (1):
tan(/2*y)*tan (/2*x) = qi

(1)

where: qi = i*vi /c*vc and i = 1 or 2.

In this case, the effect of the ceramic on the resonance frequency is almost
entirely due to its compliance, and the effect of its mass is negligible. This is fairly
obvious when one considers that the section at the center is subjected to high stress
and strain levels and therefore contributes to the total potential energy, but experiences
little vibratory motion and therefore contributes little to the total kinetic energy.
This conclusion may be proven by applying the equation to the case, in which
the ceramic is replaced by a metal of the same type and cross-section as that used
for the outer plates, and of length given by:
l1 lc

A1Y1
AcYc

(2)

Transducer for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

983

Fig. 2 Graphical representation of

equation (1), where 0.3 < qi < 2.

then Y1, Yc and YcE has to be defined the solid metal bar of length 2l1 + l1 has the
same resonance frequency as the original sandwich. This result is derived by
assuming that the phase angle across both ceramic and equivalent metal section
(i.e. l0/v0 and l1/v1) are small enough for the approximation tan = to be used.
This formula gives a section of the same total compliance as the ceramic. The
sound velocity value of vc is obtained from the relation:

vc =

YcE

(3)

If the sound velocity in the ceramic is the modulus relating to open circuit or
constant displacement conditions, then the antiresonance frequency of the
transducer is found. The coupling coefficient of the whole transducer may be
calculated from the resonance and antiresonance frequencies, fr and fa as follows:

k2 =

fr2 fa2 2 f

fa
fr

(f = fa fr)

(4)

For the most effective use of a transducer, it is usually desirable to achieve as

high a value of the coupling coefficient, k, as possible. The approximate formula
for k2 shows that this means making the proportional difference between fr and fa
as great as possible.
To do this, the piezoelectric material must be incorporated into the sandwich
in such a way that the effect of the boundary conditions (short or open circuit at the

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Irinela Chilibon, Martine Wevers, Jean-Pierre Lafaut

electrodes) on its elastic modulus will have the maximum influence on the resonance
of the sandwich.
The simplified model of the piezoceramic transducer can only approximate
the resonance frequency for the entire device. Therefore, it is necessary to
manufacture several sandwich piezoceramic transducers with different dimensions.
The electromechanical sandwich transducer works on the reverse piezoelectric
effect, converting an electrical power into a mechanical microdisplacement. Each
PZT tore of the stack contributes to the entire device displacement.
The L total displacement for a stack made by n piezoceramic tores with L
length is a function of d33, the piezoelectric coefficient of the piezoceramic material
and U the sandwich stack applied voltage, and the relation between them is:
L = d33nU

(5)

4. ACOUSTICAL TRANSFORMER

The simple sandwich piezoelectric transducers produce motion of a too small

amplitude for high power applications. It is common practice to amplify the
mechanical motions by means of a tapered resonant horn and the shape of the taper
most commonly chosen is exponential. Also, other configurations can be utilized,
for example to obtain two resonance frequencies.
The stepped horn consists of two cylinders of different diameter placed end
to end concentrically, and its most useful characteristic is that large motion
amplification is obtainable. In high power applications of ultrasound, an
exponentially tapered solid horn in half-wave resonance is used. The solutions
apply to loosely systems and assume Poisson's ratio may be neglected i.e., lateral
dimensions are small compared with the length (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3 Ultrasonic exponential solid horn.

Transducer for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

985

The relation, which represents the cross-section of the ultrasonic exponential

solid horn is:
Sx = S0 e
where:

=
c

N = D0 / Df

x
2

(6)

ln N
+ ( ln N )

(7)

magnifying factor of the vibration amplitude

( )
( )
2

length of the ultrasonic exponential solid horn

l = c 1 + ln N

2f
xn = l arctan ln N

Condition:
l = n/ 2 = (nc)/2f
The relation for a practical calculation is:
N=

l
vL
n
= ( 1) e 2
v0

(8)

The results are: ln N = l and = 2 ln N

l
2
For a better precision in the calculation of a one can use the following
relation:
= 2
c

ln N
2

+ ( ln N )

(9)

As an improvement, the ultrasonic acoustical power of the sandwich

transducer can be increased in the following ways:
take an optimum PZT material and metallic elements (for radiator and reflector);
increase the size (diameter, thickness) of the piezoceramic tores;
take a greater number of piezoceramic tores;
use a proper acoustical transformer (different forms and sizes) to amplify the
vibrations;
realize a narrow acoustical angle of the directivity pattern.
5. EXPERIMENTAL UPST TRANSDUCER

Due to many variable factors which can have an influence (PZT material
parameters, variation of temperature, preset-up pressure of the stack elements, size
of the component elements, etc.) the simplified model of the piezoceramic transducer

986

Irinela Chilibon, Martine Wevers, Jean-Pierre Lafaut

cannot indicate the real resonance frequency. Practically one should realize a series
of piezoceramic transducers with sandwich stack of PZT tores (variable size,
number of PZT tores, type of PZT material and metal elements, shape of acoustical
transformer). Steel and aluminum respectively have elastic modulus of 210 GPa
and 69 GPa. Steel has been used for reflector and aluminum for radiator.
The main and active element of the high power ultrasonic piezoceramic
transducer is the stack, made like a sandwich of PZT tores. Knowing the complete
material properties of the piezoceramic is the first step for a precise transducer
research and development [7].
To obtain a high ultrasonic power, a large frequency bandwidth and a low Q,
the PZT material type PZT5A has been chosen, which has the following typical
values for the piezoelectric, dielectric and elastic properties [8]:
coupling coefficients: Kp = 0.6; k33 = 0.71
T = 1700
k33
piezoelectric charge constants:
d33 = 3741012 m/V
d31 = 1711012 m/V
piezoelectric voltage constants:
g33 = 24.8103 Vm/N
g31 = 11.4103 Vm/N
mechanical quality factor Q = 75
density 7700 Kg/m3
Curie temperature 365C.
The familiar dielectric, elastic, and piezoelectric constants for piezoelectric
ceramics may readily be measured employing generally available laboratory
equipment, plus simple specimen holders and a switch box which was
constructed from standard elements [9].
The material properties for all transducer components (metals and
piezoceramic tores) were measured by utilizing the KrautKrmer BRANSON
USIP 12. Out of the measured vc propagated sound velocities and the weights
measured with an analytical balance, the impedance Z is calculated. The results are
presented in the Table 1.

Table 1
Material properties of transducer components
Material type

Density [g/cm3]

vc [m/s]

Z 106 [kg/m2s]

PZT 5A (PI)

7.66

4400

33.704

Steel

7.84

5750

45.080

Hard aluminum

2.77

6400

17.728

Transducer for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

987

To obtain a high electroacoustical efficiency, the materials of the sandwich

transducer must be chosen with proper acoustical impedance.
6. USPT TRANSDUCER MANUFACTURE

The USPT technological manufacture requires special mechanical processes

to realize the piezoceramic stack, metallic elements and then to encapsulate all
together. In this construction (Fig. 4), four piezoceramic tores are bolted between a
pair of end-metal elements (steel cylinder reflector and exponential hard aluminum
radiator).

Fig. 4 UPST experimental transducer cross section.

The piezoceramic elements are of pre-polarized lead titanate zirconate

composition, which exhibit high activity coupled with both low loss and aging
characteristics. They are ideally suited to form the basis of an efficient and rugged
transducer. The assembly is clamped together by means of a high tensile bolt,
which ensures the ceramics are in compression mode at maximum transducer
displacement. Between the PZT tores there are copper electrodes, to make the
electrical connection. The PZT-5A tores dimensions are: 30 external diameter,
12 mm inner diameter and 4 mm thickness, the steel cylinder reflector is 60 mm
in length and the hard aluminum reflector is 90 mm in length.

7. EXPERIMENTAL MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

The frequencies at minimum and maximum impedance (resonance and

antiresonance) and the impedances are determined by using the set-up from Fig. 5.

988

Irinela Chilibon, Martine Wevers, Jean-Pierre Lafaut

10

Fig. 5 Set-up for parameter

measurement of the experimental transducer.

Also, the impedance-frequency characteristics of the UPST transducer can be

determined with this circuit. A metallic box, like an electroacoustic screen, which
reduces the noise effects, protects the electronic set-up, realized according the IRE
Standard [9], [10] and [11].
A Hewlett Packard HP 4284A Analyzer, USA, interfaced to a PC (Fig. 6)
was used to obtain the UPST impedance-frequency characteristics. The analyzer
has a frequency bandwidth between 20 Hz to 1 MHz, and a LAB VIEW program is
implemented to acquire characteristic data in the PC.

Fig. 6 Impedance-frequency characteristic

measurement equipment.

The UPST transducer is centered into a shock wave device of lithotriptor, and
the hard aluminium radiator is immersed into the water tank, see Fig. 7. The
Function/Pulse Generator type IWATSU SG-4511 supplies the UPST with burst
signals (Fig. 8). The burst signal properties are adjusted from the Function/Pulse
Generator front panel, like this: number of pulses n = 2, maximum amplitude A = 8 V,
train pulses period T = 10 ms and frequency f = 17,3 kHz.
According to the reverse piezoelectric effect, the transducer converts the
electrical signal in mechanical vibrations, which are propagated in water, reach a
target and the PZT disc sensor. The acoustical waves, received by a PZT disc
sensor (20 diameter and 1 mm thickness), are converted in electrical signals and
displayed by an oscilloscope type LeCroy 9310 AM. (Fig. 9). The oscilloscope has
a PC interface and the signal can be digitized and processed.

11

Transducer for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

989

Fig. 7 Set-up for parameter measurement of the experimental

transducer put into a water tank.

Fig. 8 Burst signals.

Fig. 9 Acoustical signal.

As a result, the UPST impedance-frequency characteristics in air and water

are shown in the Figs. 10 and 11. When the UPST is supplied with the water
impedance, one can observe some changes in the impedance-frequency characteristic,
such as: greater resonance frequency and impedance (Fig. 12). One can expect
greater changes for a greater water volume.

990

Irinela Chilibon, Martine Wevers, Jean-Pierre Lafaut

12

Fig. 10 UPST impedance-frequency

characteristic in air, n = 200 points.

Fig. 11 UPST impedance-frequency characteristic in water, n =

= 200 points.

Fig. 12 UPST impedance-frequency

characteristics in air and in water,
n = 200 points.

The UPST was not measured at high power conditions, but one can
approximate some properties. For instance, by utilizing relation (5) and knowing
d33 = 3741012 m/V for PZT-5A, n = 4 tores, supposing a 1000 V pulse voltage
amplitude and a radiator amplifier coefficient of 5, one can approximate that 7.5 m
is the maximum vibration displacement at the UPST transducer end radiator.

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Transducer for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

991

8. CONCLUSIONS

It is necessary to know and take into account, that the ultrasonic transducer is
realized in air, but it works in water medium [12]. The interface air-water has
particular characteristics, which determine different resonance frequencies in air
and water for the ultrasonic transducer. The experimental UPST, centered in the
shock wave device of the lithotriptor presents a low resonance frequency
characteristic and wide bandwidth.
For our research purposes the transducer seems to offer the following
advantages:
it is possible to achieve much grater vibration amplitudes by utilizing a horn
with an exponential shape as radiator;
as a result of this, much grater energy densities can be achieved;
the acoustical power can be increased by utilizing a greater number of tores and
a large tore surface.
The vibration amplitude of the UPST sandwich radiator depends on the PZT
tores number, voltage amplitude, PZT material elasticity coefficients and the metal
elasticity coefficients. The PZT-5A piezoceramic material, utilized for the active
elements of transducer is suited for high power acoustic radiation to improve the
cavitational effects.
The ultrasonic field generation of the UPST together with the incident shock
wave of the ESWL will be used to realize an enlargement of the cavitation bubble
size in the water at the surface of the renal calculi.
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14

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