Ultrasonic Doppler measurement of renal artery blood flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freund, W. R.; Beaver, W. L.; Meindl, J. D.

1976-01-01

Studies were made of (1) blood flow redistribution during lower body negative pressure (LBNP), (2) the profile of blood flow across the mitral annulus of the heart (both perpendicular and parallel to the commissures), (3) testing and evaluation of a number of pulsed Doppler systems, (4) acute calibration of perivascular Doppler transducers, (5) redesign of the mitral flow transducers to improve reliability and ease of construction, and (6) a frequency offset generator designed for use in distinguishing forward and reverse components of blood flow by producing frequencies above and below the offset frequency. Finally methodology was developed and initial results were obtained from a computer analysis of time-varying Doppler spectra.

Aerial ultrasonic micro Doppler sonar detection range in outdoor environments.

PubMed

Bradley, Marshall; Sabatier, James M

2012-03-01

Current research demonstrates that micro Doppler sonar has the capability to uniquely identify the presence of a moving human, making it an attractive component in surveillance systems for border security applications. Primary environmental factors that limit sonar performance are two-way spreading losses, ultrasonic absorption, and backscattered energy from the ground that appears at zero Doppler shift in the sonar signal processor. Spectral leakage from the backscatter component has a significant effect on sonar performance for slow moving targets. Sonar performance is shown to rapidly decay as the sensor is moved closer to the ground due to increasing surface backscatter levels. © 2012 Acoustical Society of America

Quadrature demodulation based circuit implementation of pulse stream for ultrasonic signal FRI sparse sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shoupeng, Song; Zhou, Jiang

2017-03-01

Converting ultrasonic signal to ultrasonic pulse stream is the key step of finite rate of innovation (FRI) sparse sampling. At present, ultrasonic pulse-stream-forming techniques are mainly based on digital algorithms. No hardware circuit that can achieve it has been reported. This paper proposes a new quadrature demodulation (QD) based circuit implementation method for forming an ultrasonic pulse stream. Elaborating on FRI sparse sampling theory, the process of ultrasonic signal is explained, followed by a discussion and analysis of ultrasonic pulse-stream-forming methods. In contrast to ultrasonic signal envelope extracting techniques, a quadrature demodulation method (QDM) is proposed. Simulation experiments were performed to determine its performance at various signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). The circuit was then designed, with mixing module, oscillator, low pass filter (LPF), and root of square sum module. Finally, application experiments were carried out on pipeline sample ultrasonic flaw testing. The experimental results indicate that the QDM can accurately convert ultrasonic signal to ultrasonic pulse stream, and reverse the original signal information, such as pulse width, amplitude, and time of arrival. This technique lays the foundation for ultrasonic signal FRI sparse sampling directly with hardware circuitry.

Design and implementation of a smartphone-based portable ultrasound pulsed-wave Doppler device for blood flow measurement.

PubMed

Huang, Chih-Chung; Lee, Po-Yang; Chen, Pay-Yu; Liu, Ting-Yu

2012-01-01

Blood flow measurement using Doppler ultrasound has become a useful tool for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases and as a physiological monitor. Recently, pocket-sized ultrasound scanners have been introduced for portable diagnosis. The present paper reports the implementation of a portable ultrasound pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler flowmeter using a smartphone. A 10-MHz ultrasonic surface transducer was designed for the dynamic monitoring of blood flow velocity. The directional baseband Doppler shift signals were obtained using a portable analog circuit system. After hardware processing, the Doppler signals were fed directly to a smartphone for Doppler spectrogram analysis and display in real time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of this system for medical ultrasound Doppler signal processing. A Couette flow phantom, consisting of two parallel disks with a 2-mm gap, was used to evaluate and calibrate the device. Doppler spectrograms of porcine blood flow were measured using this stand-alone portable device under the pulsatile condition. Subsequently, in vivo portable system verification was performed by measuring the arterial blood flow of a rat and comparing the results with the measurement from a commercial ultrasound duplex scanner. All of the results demonstrated the potential for using a smartphone as a novel embedded system for portable medical ultrasound applications. © 2012 IEEE

Design of a fast echo matching algorithm to reduce crosstalk with Doppler shifts in ultrasonic ranging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lei; Guo, Rui; Wu, Jun-an

2017-02-01

Crosstalk is a main factor for wrong distance measurement by ultrasonic sensors, and this problem becomes more difficult to deal with under Doppler effects. In this paper, crosstalk reduction with Doppler shifts on small platforms is focused on, and a fast echo matching algorithm (FEMA) is proposed on the basis of chaotic sequences and pulse coding technology, then verified through applying it to match practical echoes. Finally, we introduce how to select both better mapping methods for chaotic sequences, and algorithm parameters for higher achievable maximum of cross-correlation peaks. The results indicate the following: logistic mapping is preferred to generate good chaotic sequences, with high autocorrelation even when the length is very limited; FEMA can not only match echoes and calculate distance accurately with an error degree mostly below 5%, but also generates nearly the same calculation cost level for static or kinematic ranging, much lower than that by direct Doppler compensation (DDC) with the same frequency compensation step; The sensitivity to threshold value selection and performance of FEMA depend significantly on the achievable maximum of cross-correlation peaks, and a higher peak is preferred, which can be considered as a criterion for algorithm parameter optimization under practical conditions.

C-band radar pulse Doppler error: Its discovery, modeling, and elimination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krabill, W. B.; Dempsey, D. J.

1978-01-01

The discovery of a C Band radar pulse Doppler error is discussed and use of the GEOS 3 satellite's coherent transponder to isolate the error source is described. An analysis of the pulse Doppler tracking loop is presented and a mathematical model for the error was developed. Error correction techniques were developed and are described including implementation details.

Evaluation of correlation between physical properties and ultrasonic pulse velocity of fired clay samples.

PubMed

Özkan, İlker; Yayla, Zeliha

2016-03-01

The aim of this study is to establish a correlation between physical properties and ultrasonic pulse velocity of clay samples fired at elevated temperatures. Brick-making clay and pottery clay were studied for this purpose. The physical properties of clay samples were assessed after firing pressed clay samples separately at temperatures of 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1050 and 1100 °C. A commercial ultrasonic testing instrument (Proceq Pundit Lab) was used to evaluate the ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements for each fired clay sample as a function of temperature. It was observed that there became a relationship between physical properties and ultrasonic pulse velocities of the samples. The results showed that in consequence of increasing densification of the samples, the differences between the ultrasonic pulse velocities were higher with increasing temperature. These findings may facilitate the use of ultrasonic pulse velocity for the estimation of physical properties of fired clay samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Doppler flowmeter

DOEpatents

Karplus, H.H.B.; Raptis, A.C.

1981-11-13

A Doppler flowmeter impulses an ultrasonic fixed-frequency signal obliquely into a slurry flowing in a pipe and a reflected signal is detected after having been scattered off of the slurry particles, whereby the shift in frequencies between the signals is proportional to the slurry velocity and hence slurry flow rate. This flowmeter filters the Doppler frequency-shift signal, compares the filtered and unfiltered shift signals in a divider to obtain a ratio, and then further compares this ratio against a preset fractional ratio. The flowmeter utilizes a voltage-to-frequency convertor to generate a pulsed signal having a determinable rate of repetition precisely proportional to the divergence of the ratios. The pulsed signal serves as the input control for a frequency-controlled low-pass filter, which provides thereby that the cutoff frequency of the filtered signal is known. The flowmeter provides a feedback control by minimizing the divergence. With the cutoff frequency and preset fractional ratio known, the slurry velocity and hence flow will also be determinable.

Doppler flowmeter

DOEpatents

Karplus, Henry H. B.; Raptis, Apostolos C.

1983-01-01

A Doppler flowmeter impulses an ultrasonic fixed-frequency signal obliquely into a slurry flowing in a pipe and a reflected signal is detected after having been scattered off of the slurry particles, whereby the shift in frequencies between the signals is proportional to the slurry velocity and hence slurry flow rate. This flowmeter filters the Doppler frequency-shift signal, compares the filtered and unfiltered shift signals in a divider to obtain a ratio, and then further compares this ratio against a preset fractional ratio. The flowmeter utilizes a voltage-to-frequency convertor to generate a pulsed signal having a determinable rate of repetition precisely proportional to the divergence of the ratios. The pulsed signal serves as the input control for a frequency-controlled low-pass filter, which provides thereby that the cutoff frequency of the filtered signal is known. The flowmeter provides a feedback control by minimizing the divergence. With the cutoff frequency and preset fractional ratio known, the slurry velocity and hence flow will also be determinable.

Ultrasonic Methods for Human Motion Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-01

contacts. The active method utilizes continuous wave ultrasonic Doppler sonar . Human motions have unique Doppler signatures and their combination...The present article reports results of human motion investigations with help of CW ultrasonic Doppler sonar . Low-cost, low-power ultrasonic motion...have been developed for operation in air [10]. Benefits of using ultrasonic CW Doppler sonar included the low-cost, low-electric noise, small size

Piston cylinder cell for high pressure ultrasonic pulse echo measurements.

PubMed

Kepa, M W; Ridley, C J; Kamenev, K V; Huxley, A D

2016-08-01

Ultrasonic techniques such as pulse echo, vibrating reed, or resonant ultrasound spectroscopy are powerful probes not only for studying elasticity but also for investigating electronic and magnetic properties. Here, we report on the design of a high pressure ultrasonic pulse echo apparatus, based on a piston cylinder cell, with a simplified electronic setup that operates with a single coaxial cable and requires sample lengths of mm only. The design allows simultaneous measurements of ultrasonic velocities and attenuation coefficients up to a pressure of 1.5 GPa. We illustrate the performance of the cell by probing the phase diagram of a single crystal of the ferromagnetic superconductor UGe2.

Piston cylinder cell for high pressure ultrasonic pulse echo measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kepa, M. W.; Ridley, C. J.; Kamenev, K. V.; Huxley, A. D.

2016-08-01

Ultrasonic techniques such as pulse echo, vibrating reed, or resonant ultrasound spectroscopy are powerful probes not only for studying elasticity but also for investigating electronic and magnetic properties. Here, we report on the design of a high pressure ultrasonic pulse echo apparatus, based on a piston cylinder cell, with a simplified electronic setup that operates with a single coaxial cable and requires sample lengths of mm only. The design allows simultaneous measurements of ultrasonic velocities and attenuation coefficients up to a pressure of 1.5 GPa. We illustrate the performance of the cell by probing the phase diagram of a single crystal of the ferromagnetic superconductor UGe2.

Doppler velocity measurements from large and small arteries of mice

PubMed Central

Reddy, Anilkumar K.; Madala, Sridhar; Entman, Mark L.; Michael, Lloyd H.; Taffet, George E.

2011-01-01

With the growth of genetic engineering, mice have become increasingly common as models of human diseases, and this has stimulated the development of techniques to assess the murine cardiovascular system. Our group has developed nonimaging and dedicated Doppler techniques for measuring blood velocity in the large and small peripheral arteries of anesthetized mice. We translated technology originally designed for human vessels for use in smaller mouse vessels at higher heart rates by using higher ultrasonic frequencies, smaller transducers, and higher-speed signal processing. With these methods one can measure cardiac filling and ejection velocities, velocity pulse arrival times for determining pulse wave velocity, peripheral blood velocity and vessel wall motion waveforms, jet velocities for the calculation of the pressure drop across stenoses, and left main coronary velocity for the estimation of coronary flow reserve. These noninvasive methods are convenient and easy to apply, but care must be taken in interpreting measurements due to Doppler sample volume size and angle of incidence. Doppler methods have been used to characterize and evaluate numerous cardiovascular phenotypes in mice and have been particularly useful in evaluating the cardiac and vascular remodeling that occur following transverse aortic constriction. Although duplex ultrasonic echo-Doppler instruments are being applied to mice, dedicated Doppler systems are more suitable for some applications. The magnitudes and waveforms of blood velocities from both cardiac and peripheral sites are similar in mice and humans, such that much of what is learned using Doppler technology in mice may be translated back to humans. PMID:21572013

Micro-Doppler Ambiguity Resolution for Wideband Terahertz Radar Using Intra-Pulse Interference

PubMed Central

Yang, Qi; Qin, Yuliang; Deng, Bin; Wang, Hongqiang; You, Peng

2017-01-01

Micro-Doppler, induced by micro-motion of targets, is an important characteristic of target recognition once extracted via parameter estimation methods. However, micro-Doppler is usually too significant to result in ambiguity in the terahertz band because of its relatively high carrier frequency. Thus, a micro-Doppler ambiguity resolution method for wideband terahertz radar using intra-pulse interference is proposed in this paper. The micro-Doppler can be reduced several dozen times its true value to avoid ambiguity through intra-pulse interference processing. The effectiveness of this method is proved by experiments based on a 0.22 THz wideband radar system, and its high estimation precision and excellent noise immunity are verified by Monte Carlo simulation. PMID:28468257

Micro-Doppler Ambiguity Resolution for Wideband Terahertz Radar Using Intra-Pulse Interference.

PubMed

Yang, Qi; Qin, Yuliang; Deng, Bin; Wang, Hongqiang; You, Peng

2017-04-29

Micro-Doppler, induced by micro-motion of targets, is an important characteristic of target recognition once extracted via parameter estimation methods. However, micro-Doppler is usually too significant to result in ambiguity in the terahertz band because of its relatively high carrier frequency. Thus, a micro-Doppler ambiguity resolution method for wideband terahertz radar using intra-pulse interference is proposed in this paper. The micro-Doppler can be reduced several dozen times its true value to avoid ambiguity through intra-pulse interference processing. The effectiveness of this method is proved by experiments based on a 0.22 THz wideband radar system, and its high estimation precision and excellent noise immunity are verified by Monte Carlo simulation.

Piston cylinder cell for high pressure ultrasonic pulse echo measurements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kepa, M. W., E-mail: mkepa@staffmail.ed.ac.uk; Huxley, A. D.; Ridley, C. J.

2016-08-15

Ultrasonic techniques such as pulse echo, vibrating reed, or resonant ultrasound spectroscopy are powerful probes not only for studying elasticity but also for investigating electronic and magnetic properties. Here, we report on the design of a high pressure ultrasonic pulse echo apparatus, based on a piston cylinder cell, with a simplified electronic setup that operates with a single coaxial cable and requires sample lengths of mm only. The design allows simultaneous measurements of ultrasonic velocities and attenuation coefficients up to a pressure of 1.5 GPa. We illustrate the performance of the cell by probing the phase diagram of a singlemore » crystal of the ferromagnetic superconductor UGe{sub 2}.« less

Development of glucose measurement system based on pulsed laser-induced ultrasonic method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Zhong; Wan, Bin; Liu, Guodong; Xiong, Zhihua

2016-09-01

In this study, a kind of glucose measurement system based on pulsed-induced ultrasonic technique was established. In this system, the lateral detection mode was used, the Nd: YAG pumped optical parametric oscillator (OPO) pulsed laser was used as the excitation source, the high sensitivity ultrasonic transducer was used as the signal detector to capture the photoacoustic signals of the glucose. In the experiments, the real-time photoacoustic signals of glucose aqueous solutions with different concentrations were captured by ultrasonic transducer and digital oscilloscope. Moreover, the photoacoustic peak-to-peak values were gotten in the wavelength range from 1300nm to 2300nm. The characteristic absorption wavelengths of glucose were determined via the difference spectral method and second derivative method. In addition, the prediction models of predicting glucose concentrations were established via the multivariable linear regression algorithm and the optimal prediction model of corresponding optimal wavelengths. Results showed that the performance of the glucose system based on the pulsed-induced ultrasonic detection method was feasible. Therefore, the measurement scheme and prediction model have some potential value in the fields of non-invasive monitoring the concentration of the glucose gradient, especially in the food safety and biomedical fields.

Semi-Automated Pulse-Echo Ultrasonic System for Inspecting Tires

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1977-07-01

A nondestructive tire-testing system has been developed using the pulse-echo ultrasonic technique, which offers substantial advantages over all other physical nondestructive-testing methods and shows promise of reducing the cost of production-tire in...

Measurement Capabilities of Single-Pulse Planar Doppler Velocimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McKenzie, Robert L.; Kutler, Paul F. (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

Preliminary investigations are described of a method that is capable of measuring instantaneous, 3-D, velocity vectors everywhere in a light sheet generated by a pulsed laser. The technique, here called Planar Doppler Velocimetry (PDV), is a variation of a new concept for velocity measurements that was called Doppler Global Velocimetry (DGV) in its original disclosure. The concept relies on the use of a narrowband laser and measurements of the Doppler shift of scattered light from particles moving with a flow. The Doppler shift is recorded as a variation in transmission through a sharp-edged spectral filter provided by iodine vapor in a cell. Entire fields of velocity can be determined by using a solid-state camera to record the intensity variations throughout the field of view. However, the implementation of DGV has been centered principally on the use of high power, continuous-wave, ion lasers and measurement times that are determined by the 30-ms framing times of standard video cameras. Hence, they provide velocity fields that are averaged in time at least over that period. On the other hand, the PDV concept described in this presentation incorporates a high energy, repetitively pulsed, Nd-YAG laser that is injection-seeded to make it narrowband and then frequency-doubled to provide light at frequencies absorbed by the iodine vapor. The duration of each pulse is less than 10 nanoseconds. When used in combination with nonstandard, scientific quality, solid state cameras, a sequence of images can be obtained that provides instantaneous velocity vectors everywhere in the field of view. The investigations described in this paper include an accurate characterization of the iodine cell spectral behavior and its influence on the PDV measurements, a derivation of the PDV signal analysis requirements, and the unique aspects of the pulsed laser behavior related to this application. In addition, PDV measurements are to be demonstrated using data from a rotating wheel

Application of partial inversion pulse to ultrasonic time-domain correlation method to measure the flow rate in a pipe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wada, Sanehiro; Furuichi, Noriyuki; Shimada, Takashi

2017-11-01

This paper proposes the application of a novel ultrasonic pulse, called a partial inversion pulse (PIP), to the measurement of the velocity profile and flow rate in a pipe using the ultrasound time-domain correlation (UTDC) method. In general, the measured flow rate depends on the velocity profile in the pipe; thus, on-site calibration is the only method of checking the accuracy of on-site flow rate measurements. Flow rate calculation using UTDC is based on the integration of the measured velocity profile. The advantages of this method compared with the ultrasonic pulse Doppler method include the possibility of the velocity range having no limitation and its applicability to flow fields without a sufficient amount of reflectors. However, it has been previously reported that the measurable velocity range for UTDC is limited by false detections. Considering the application of this method to on-site flow fields, the issue of velocity range is important. To reduce the effect of false detections, a PIP signal, which is an ultrasound signal that contains a partially inverted region, was developed in this study. The advantages of the PIP signal are that it requires little additional hardware cost and no additional software cost in comparison with conventional methods. The effects of inversion on the characteristics of the ultrasound transmission were estimated through numerical calculation. Then, experimental measurements were performed at a national standard calibration facility for water flow rate in Japan. The experimental results demonstrate that measurements made using a PIP signal are more accurate and yield a higher detection ratio than measurements using a normal pulse signal.

Computerized Doppler Tomography and Spectrum Analysis of Carotid Artery Flow

PubMed Central

Morton, Paul; Goldman, Dave; Nichols, W. Kirt

1981-01-01

Contrast angiography remains the definitive study in the evaluation of atherosclerotic occlusive vascular disease. However, a safer technique for serial screening of symptomatic patients and for routine follow up is necessary. Computerized pulsed Doppler ultrasonic arteriography is a noninvasive technique developed by Miles6 for imaging lateral, antero-posterior and transverse sections of the carotid artery. We [ill] this system with new software and hardware to analyze the three-dimensional blood flow data. The system now provides information about the location of the occlusive process in the artery and a semi-quantitative evaluation of the degree of obstruction. In addition, we interfaced a digital signal analyzer to the system which permits spectrum analysis of the pulsed Doppler signal. This addition has allowed us to identify lesions which are not yet hemodynamically significant. ImagesFig. 2bFig. 2c

Prediction of ultrasonic pulse velocity for enhanced peat bricks using adaptive neuro-fuzzy methodology.

PubMed

Motamedi, Shervin; Roy, Chandrabhushan; Shamshirband, Shahaboddin; Hashim, Roslan; Petković, Dalibor; Song, Ki-Il

2015-08-01

Ultrasonic pulse velocity is affected by defects in material structure. This study applied soft computing techniques to predict the ultrasonic pulse velocity for various peats and cement content mixtures for several curing periods. First, this investigation constructed a process to simulate the ultrasonic pulse velocity with adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system. Then, an ANFIS network with neurons was developed. The input and output layers consisted of four and one neurons, respectively. The four inputs were cement, peat, sand content (%) and curing period (days). The simulation results showed efficient performance of the proposed system. The ANFIS and experimental results were compared through the coefficient of determination and root-mean-square error. In conclusion, use of ANFIS network enhances prediction and generation of strength. The simulation results confirmed the effectiveness of the suggested strategies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor With Transmit Beamforming Based on a PMUT Array Bonded to CMOS Circuitry.

PubMed

Jiang, Xiaoyue; Tang, Hao-Yen; Lu, Yipeng; Ng, Eldwin J; Tsai, Julius M; Boser, Bernhard E; Horsley, David A

2017-09-01

In this paper, we present a single-chip 65 ×42 element ultrasonic pulse-echo fingerprint sensor with transmit (TX) beamforming based on piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers directly bonded to a CMOS readout application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The readout ASIC was realized in a standard 180-nm CMOS process with a 24-V high-voltage transistor option. Pulse-echo measurements are performed column-by-column in sequence using either one column or five columns to TX the ultrasonic pulse at 20 MHz. TX beamforming is used to focus the ultrasonic beam at the imaging plane where the finger is located, increasing the ultrasonic pressure and narrowing the 3-dB beamwidth to [Formula: see text], a factor of 6.4 narrower than nonbeamformed measurements. The surface of the sensor is coated with a poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer to provide good acoustic impedance matching to skin. Scanning laser Doppler vibrometry of the PDMS surface was used to map the ultrasonic pressure field at the imaging surface, demonstrating the expected increase in pressure, and reduction in beamwidth. Imaging experiments were conducted using both PDMS phantoms and real fingerprints. The average image contrast is increased by a factor of 1.5 when beamforming is used.

Designing clutter rejection filters with complex coefficients for airborne pulsed Doppler weather radar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jamora, Dennis A.

1993-01-01

Ground clutter interference is a major problem for airborne pulse Doppler radar operating at low altitudes in a look-down mode. With Doppler zero set at the aircraft ground speed, ground clutter rejection filtering is typically accomplished using a high-pass filter with real valued coefficients and a stopband notch centered at zero Doppler. Clutter spectra from the NASA Wind Shear Flight Experiments of l991-1992 show that the dominant clutter mode can be located away from zero Doppler, particularly at short ranges dominated by sidelobe returns. Use of digital notch filters with complex valued coefficients so that the stopband notch can be located at any Doppler frequency is investigated. Several clutter mode tracking algorithms are considered to estimate the Doppler frequency location of the dominant clutter mode. From the examination of night data, when a dominant clutter mode away from zero Doppler is present, complex filtering is able to significantly increase clutter rejection over use of a notch filter centered at zero Doppler.

Doppler-guided retrograde catheterization system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frazin, Leon J.; Vonesh, Michael J.; Chandran, Krishnan B.; Khasho, Fouad; Lanza, George M.; Talano, James V.; McPherson, David D.

1991-05-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate a Doppler guided catheterization system as an adjunctive or alternative methodology to overcome the disadvantages of left heart catheterization and angiography. These disadvantages include the biological effects of radiation and the toxic and volume effects of iodine contrast. Doppler retrograde guidance uses a 20 MHz circular pulsed Doppler crystal incorporated into the tip of a triple lumen multipurpose catheter and is advanced retrogradely using the directional flow information provided by the Doppler waveform. The velocity detection limits are either 1 m/second or 4 m/second depending upon the instrumentation. In a physiologic flow model of the human aortic arch, multiple data points revealed a positive wave form when flow was traveling toward the catheter tip indicating proper alignment for retrograde advancement. There was a negative wave form when flow was traveling away from the catheter tip if the catheter was in a branch or bent upon itself indicating improper catheter tip position for retrograde advancement. In a series of six dogs, the catheter was able to be accurately advanced from the femoral artery to the left ventricular chamber under Doppler signal guidance without the use of x-ray. The potential applications of a Doppler guided retrograde catheterization system include decreasing time requirements and allowing safer catheter guidance in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease and suspected aortic dissection. The Doppler system may allow left ventricular pressure monitoring in the intensive care unit without the need for x-ray and it may allow left sided contrast echocardiography. With pulse velocity detection limits of 4 m/second, this system may allow catheter direction and passage into the aortic root and left ventricle in patients with aortic stenosis. A modification of the Doppler catheter may include transponder technology which would allow precise catheter tip localization once the

Totally Implantable Wireless Ultrasonic Doppler Blood Flowmeters: Toward Accurate Miniaturized Chronic Monitors.

PubMed

Rothfuss, Michael A; Unadkat, Jignesh V; Gimbel, Michael L; Mickle, Marlin H; Sejdić, Ervin

2017-03-01

Totally implantable wireless ultrasonic blood flowmeters provide direct-access chronic vessel monitoring in hard-to-reach places without using wired bedside monitors or imaging equipment. Although wireless implantable Doppler devices are accurate for most applications, device size and implant lifetime remain vastly underdeveloped. We review past and current approaches to miniaturization and implant lifetime extension for wireless implantable Doppler devices and propose approaches to reduce device size and maximize implant lifetime for the next generation of devices. Additionally, we review current and past approaches to accurate blood flow measurements. This review points toward relying on increased levels of monolithic customization and integration to reduce size. Meanwhile, recommendations to maximize implant lifetime should include alternative sources of power, such as transcutaneous wireless power, that stand to extend lifetime indefinitely. Coupling together the results will pave the way for ultra-miniaturized totally implantable wireless blood flow monitors for truly chronic implantation. Copyright © 2016 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

21 CFR 892.1560 - Ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system. 892.1560 Section 892.1560 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... receiver. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and...

21 CFR 892.1560 - Ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system. 892.1560 Section 892.1560 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... receiver. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and...

21 CFR 892.1560 - Ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system. 892.1560 Section 892.1560 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... receiver. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and...

Pulsed infrared thermography for assessment of ultrasonic welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGovern, Megan E.; Rinker, Teresa J.; Sekol, Ryan C.

2018-03-01

Battery packs are a critical component in electric vehicles. During pack assembly, the battery cell tab and busbar are ultrasonically welded. The properties of the welds ultimately affect battery pack durability. Quality inspection of these welds is important to ensure durable battery packs. Pack failure is detrimental economically and could also pose a safety hazard, such as thermal runaway. Ultrasonic welds are commonly checked by measuring electrical resistance or auditing using destructive mechanical testing. Resistance measurements are quick, but sensitive to set-up changes. Destructive testing cannot represent the entire weld set. It is possible for a weak weld to satisfy the electrical requirement check, because only sufficient contact between the tabs and busbar is required to yield a low resistance measurement. Laboratory techniques are often not suitable for inline inspection, as they may be time-consuming, use couplant, or are only suitable for coupons. The complex surface geometry also poses difficulties for conventional nondestructive techniques. A method for inspection of ultrasonic welds is proposed using pulsed infrared thermography to identify discrepant welds in a manufacturing environment. Thermal measurements of welds were compared to electrical and mechanical measurements. The heat source distribution was calculated to obtain thermal images with high temporal and spatial resolution. All discrepant welds were readily identifiable using two thermographic techniques: pixel counting and the gradient image. A positive relationship between pixel count and mechanical strength was observed. The results demonstrate the potential of pulsed thermography for inline inspection, which can complement, or even replace, conventional electrical resistance measurements.

Development of pulse-echo ultrasonic propagation imaging system and its delivery to Korea Air Force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, Hasan; Hong, Seung-Chan; Lee, Jung-Ryul; Park, Jongwoon; Ihn, Jeong-Beom

2017-04-01

This paper proposes a full-field pulse-echo ultrasonic propagation imaging (FF-PE-UPI) system for non-destructive evaluation of structural defects. The system works by detection of bulk waves that travel through the thickness of a specimen. This is achieved by joining the laser beams for the ultrasonic wave generation and sensing. This enables accurate and clear damage assessment and defect localization in the thickness with minimum signal processing since bulk waves are less susceptible to dispersion during short propagation through the thickness. The system consists of a Qswitched laser for generating the aforementioned waves, a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) for sensing, optical elements to combine the generating and sensing laser beams, a dual-axis automated translation stage for raster scanning of the specimen and a digitizer to record the signals. A graphical user interface (GUI) is developed to control all the individual blocks of the system. Additionally, the software also manages signal acquisition, processing, and display. The GUI is created in C++ using the QT framework. In view of the requirements posed by the Korean Air Force(KAF), the system is designed to be compact and portable to allow for in situ inspection of a selected area of a larger structure such as radome or rudder of an aircraft. The GUI is designed with a minimalistic approach to promote usability and adaptability while masking the intricacies of actual system operation. Through the use of multithreading the software is able to show the results while a specimen is still being scanned. This is achieved by real-time and concurrent acquisition, processing, and display of ultrasonic signal of the latest scan point in the scan area.

Comparison of pulsed Doppler and thermodilution methods for measuring cardiac output in critically ill patients.

PubMed

Donovan, K D; Dobb, G J; Newman, M A; Hockings, B E; Ireland, M

1987-09-01

We obtained 145 consecutive cardiac output measurements in 38 critically ill patients, using the invasive thermodilution and the noninvasive pulsed Doppler methods. The mean thermodilution cardiac output (TDCO) was 5.7 +/- 1.87 L/min and the mean pulsed Doppler cardiac output (PDCO) was 5.16 +/- 1.66 L/min. The mean difference between the two measurements was 0.51 L/min with an SD greater than 1.6 L/min, reflecting the scattering of results. The overall correlation coefficient was .58. The intercepts were large and the regression equation some way from the line of equal values (TDCO = 2.28 + 0.66 PDCO). When the results were analyzed according to diagnosis or by group experience, there were some differences in the bias of the estimate; however, the SD of the difference between methods was greater than one liter/min in all groups. Thus, the pulsed Doppler method failed to estimate accurately TDCO in critically ill patients.

Fpga based L-band pulse doppler radar design and implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savci, Kubilay

As its name implies RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) is an electromagnetic sensor used for detection and locating targets from their return signals. Radar systems propagate electromagnetic energy, from the antenna which is in part intercepted by an object. Objects reradiate a portion of energy which is captured by the radar receiver. The received signal is then processed for information extraction. Radar systems are widely used for surveillance, air security, navigation, weather hazard detection, as well as remote sensing applications. In this work, an FPGA based L-band Pulse Doppler radar prototype, which is used for target detection, localization and velocity calculation has been built and a general-purpose Pulse Doppler radar processor has been developed. This radar is a ground based stationary monopulse radar, which transmits a short pulse with a certain pulse repetition frequency (PRF). Return signals from the target are processed and information about their location and velocity is extracted. Discrete components are used for the transmitter and receiver chain. The hardware solution is based on Xilinx Virtex-6 ML605 FPGA board, responsible for the control of the radar system and the digital signal processing of the received signal, which involves Constant False Alarm Rate (CFAR) detection and Pulse Doppler processing. The algorithm is implemented in MATLAB/SIMULINK using the Xilinx System Generator for DSP tool. The field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) implementation of the radar system provides the flexibility of changing parameters such as the PRF and pulse length therefore it can be used with different radar configurations as well. A VHDL design has been developed for 1Gbit Ethernet connection to transfer digitized return signal and detection results to PC. An A-Scope software has been developed with C# programming language to display time domain radar signals and detection results on PC. Data are processed both in FPGA chip and on PC. FPGA uses fixed

Ultrasonic pulser-receiver

DOEpatents

Taylor, Steven C.

2006-09-12

Ultrasonic pulser-receiver circuitry, for use with an ultrasonic transducer, the circuitry comprising a circuit board; ultrasonic pulser circuitry supported by the circuit board and configured to be coupled to an ultrasonic transducer and to cause the ultrasonic transducer to emit an ultrasonic output pulse; receiver circuitry supported by the circuit board, coupled to the pulser circuitry, including protection circuitry configured to protect against the ultrasonic pulse and including amplifier circuitry configured to amplify an echo, received back by the transducer, of the output pulse; and a connector configured to couple the ultrasonic transducer directly to the circuit board, to the pulser circuitry and receiver circuitry, wherein impedance mismatches that would result if the transducer was coupled to the circuit board via a cable can be avoided.

Analysis and improved design considerations for airborne pulse Doppler radar signal processing in the detection of hazardous windshear

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Jonggil

1990-01-01

High resolution windspeed profile measurements are needed to provide reliable detection of hazardous low altitude windshear with an airborne pulse Doppler radar. The system phase noise in a Doppler weather radar may degrade the spectrum moment estimation quality and the clutter cancellation capability which are important in windshear detection. Also the bias due to weather return Doppler spectrum skewness may cause large errors in pulse pair spectral parameter estimates. These effects are analyzed for the improvement of an airborne Doppler weather radar signal processing design. A method is presented for the direct measurement of windspeed gradient using low pulse repetition frequency (PRF) radar. This spatial gradient is essential in obtaining the windshear hazard index. As an alternative, the modified Prony method is suggested as a spectrum mode estimator for both the clutter and weather signal. Estimation of Doppler spectrum modes may provide the desired windshear hazard information without the need of any preliminary processing requirement such as clutter filtering. The results obtained by processing a NASA simulation model output support consideration of mode identification as one component of a windshear detection algorithm.

A bistatic pulse-Doppler intruder-detection radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, B. C.; Callahan, M. W.

The U.S. Air Force's Aircraft Security Radar (ASR) is a small pulse-Doppler radar designed to detect intruders on the ground near parked aircraft, with a moving target detection effectiveness that encompasses high speed vehicles and intruders moving at as little as 2 cm/sec. The ASR is comparatively insensitive to weather, and will be affected only by severe wind and rain storms. Five ASRs are typically used around an aircraft, in order to reduce the area of coverage. Attention is given to the ASR's theory of operation, radar parameters, and both intruder and nuisance alarm test results.

Pulse Pressure and Carotid Artery Doppler Velocimetry as Indicators of Maternal Volume Status: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PubMed

Lappen, Justin R; Myers, Stephen A; Bolden, Norman; Shaman, Ziad; Angirekula, Venkata; Chien, Edward K

2018-03-01

Narrow pulse pressure has been demonstrated to indicate low central volume status. In critically ill patients, volume status can be qualitatively evaluated using Doppler velocimetry to assess hemodynamic changes in the carotid artery in response to autotransfusion with passive leg raise (PLR). Neither parameter has been prospectively evaluated in an obstetric population. The objective of this study was to determine if pulse pressure could predict the response to autotransfusion using carotid artery Doppler in healthy intrapartum women. We hypothesized that the carotid artery Doppler response to PLR would be greater in women with a narrow pulse pressure, indicating relative hypovolemia. Intrapartum women with singleton gestations ≥35 weeks without acute or chronic medical conditions were recruited to this prospective cohort study. Participants were grouped by admission pulse pressure as <45 mm Hg(narrow) or ≥50 mm Hg(normal). Maternal carotid artery Doppler assessment was then performed in all patients before and after PLR using a standard technique where carotid blood flow (mL/min) = π × (carotid artery diameter/2) × (velocity time integral) x (60 seconds). The velocity time integral was calculated from the Doppler waveform. The primary outcome was the change in the carotid Doppler parameters (carotid artery diameter, velocity time integral, and carotid blood flow) after PLR. Outcomes were compared between study groups with univariable and multivariable analyses with adjustment for potential confounding factors. Thirty-three women consented to participation, including 18 in the narrow and 15 in the normal pulse pressure groups (mean and standard deviation initial pulse pressure, 38.3 ± 4.4 vs 57.3 ± 4.1 mm Hg). The 2 groups demonstrated similar characteristics except for initial pulse pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and race. In response to PLR, the narrow pulse pressure group had a significantly greater increase in carotid artery diameter

Noseleaf dynamics during pulse emission in horseshoe bats.

PubMed

Feng, Lin; Gao, Li; Lu, Hongwang; Müller, Rolf

2012-01-01

Horseshoe bats emit their biosonar pulses nasally and diffract the outgoing ultrasonic waves by conspicuous structures that surrounded the nostrils. Here, we report quantitative experimental data on the motion of a prominent component of these structures, the anterior leaf, using synchronized laser Doppler vibrometry and acoustic recordings in the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum). The vibrometry data has demonstrated non-random motion patterns in the anterior leaf. In these patterns, the outer rim of the walls of the anterior leaf twitches forward and inwards to decrease the aperture of the noseleaf and increase the curvature of its surfaces. Noseleaf displacements were correlated with the emitted ultrasonic pulses. After their onset, the inward displacements increased monotonically towards their maximum value which was always reached within the duration of the biosonar pulse, typically towards its end. In other words, the anterior leaf's surfaces were moving inwards during most of the pulse. Non-random motions were not present in all recorded pulse trains, but could apparently be switched on or off. Such switches happened between sequences of consecutive pulses but were never observed between individual pulses within a sequence. The amplitudes of the emitted biosonar pulse and accompanying noseleaf movement were not correlated in the analyzed data set. The measured velocities of the noseleaf surface were too small to induce Doppler shifts of a magnitude with a likely significance. However, the displacement amplitudes were significant in comparison with the overall size of the anterior leaf and the sound wavelengths. These results indicate the possibility that horseshoe bats use dynamic sensing principles on the emission side of their biosonar system. Given the already available evidence that such mechanisms exist for biosonar reception, it may be hypothesized that time-variant mechanisms play a pervasive role in the biosonar sensing of horseshoe

Noseleaf Dynamics during Pulse Emission in Horseshoe Bats

PubMed Central

Feng, Lin; Gao, Li; Lu, Hongwang; Müller, Rolf

2012-01-01

Horseshoe bats emit their biosonar pulses nasally and diffract the outgoing ultrasonic waves by conspicuous structures that surrounded the nostrils. Here, we report quantitative experimental data on the motion of a prominent component of these structures, the anterior leaf, using synchronized laser Doppler vibrometry and acoustic recordings in the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum). The vibrometry data has demonstrated non-random motion patterns in the anterior leaf. In these patterns, the outer rim of the walls of the anterior leaf twitches forward and inwards to decrease the aperture of the noseleaf and increase the curvature of its surfaces. Noseleaf displacements were correlated with the emitted ultrasonic pulses. After their onset, the inward displacements increased monotonically towards their maximum value which was always reached within the duration of the biosonar pulse, typically towards its end. In other words, the anterior leaf’s surfaces were moving inwards during most of the pulse. Non-random motions were not present in all recorded pulse trains, but could apparently be switched on or off. Such switches happened between sequences of consecutive pulses but were never observed between individual pulses within a sequence. The amplitudes of the emitted biosonar pulse and accompanying noseleaf movement were not correlated in the analyzed data set. The measured velocities of the noseleaf surface were too small to induce Doppler shifts of a magnitude with a likely significance. However, the displacement amplitudes were significant in comparison with the overall size of the anterior leaf and the sound wavelengths. These results indicate the possibility that horseshoe bats use dynamic sensing principles on the emission side of their biosonar system. Given the already available evidence that such mechanisms exist for biosonar reception, it may be hypothesized that time-variant mechanisms play a pervasive role in the biosonar sensing of horseshoe

The influence of flight speed on the ranging performance of bats using frequency modulated echolocation pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boonman, Arjan M.; Parsons, Stuart; Jones, Gareth

2003-01-01

Many species of bat use ultrasonic frequency modulated (FM) pulses to measure the distance to objects by timing the emission and reception of each pulse. Echolocation is mainly used in flight. Since the flight speed of bats often exceeds 1% of the speed of sound, Doppler effects will lead to compression of the time between emission and reception as well as an elevation of the echo frequencies, resulting in a distortion of the perceived range. This paper describes the consequences of these Doppler effects on the ranging performance of bats using different pulse designs. The consequences of Doppler effects on ranging performance described in this paper assume bats to have a very accurate ranging resolution, which is feasible with a filterbank receiver. By modeling two receiver types, it was first established that the effects of Doppler compression are virtually independent of the receiver type. Then, used a cross-correlation model was used to investigate the effect of flight speed on Doppler tolerance and range-Doppler coupling separately. This paper further shows how pulse duration, bandwidth, function type, and harmonics influence Doppler tolerance and range-Doppler coupling. The influence of each signal parameter is illustrated using calls of several bat species. It is argued that range-Doppler coupling is a significant source of error in bat echolocation, and various strategies bats could employ to deal with this problem, including the use of range rate information are discussed.

Doppler indexes of left ventricular systolic and diastolic flow and central pulse pressure in relation to renal resistive index.

PubMed

Kuznetsova, Tatiana; Cauwenberghs, Nicholas; Knez, Judita; Thijs, Lutgarde; Liu, Yan-Ping; Gu, Yu-Mei; Staessen, Jan A

2015-04-01

The cardio-renal interaction occurs via hemodynamic and humoral factors. Noninvasive assessment of renal hemodynamics is currently possible by assessment of renal resistive index (RRI) derived from intrarenal Doppler arterial waveforms as ((peak systolic velocity - end-diastolic velocity)/peak systolic velocity). Limited information is available regarding the relationship between RRI and cardiac hemodynamics. We investigated these associations in randomly recruited subjects from a general population. In 171 participants (48.5% women; mean age, 52.2 years), using pulsed wave Doppler, we measured RRI (mean, 0.60) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and transmitral (E and A) blood flow peak velocities and its velocity time integrals (VTI). Using carotid applanation tonometry, we measured central pulse pressure and arterial stiffness indexes such as augmentation pressure and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. In stepwise regression analysis, RRI independently and significantly increased with female sex, age, body weight, brachial pulse pressure, and use of β-blockers, whereas it decreased with body height and mean arterial pressure. In multivariable-adjusted models with central pulse pressure and arterial stiffness indexes as the explanatory variables, we observed a significant and positive correlation of RRI only with central pulse pressure (P < 0.0001). Among the Doppler indexes of left ventricular blood flow, RRI was significantly and positively associated with LVOT and E peak velocities (P ≤ 0.012) and VTIs (P ≤ 0.010). We demonstrated that in unselected subjects RRI was significantly associated with central pulse pressure and left ventricular systolic and diastolic Doppler blood flow indexes. Our findings imply that in addition to the anthropometric characteristics, cardiac hemodynamic factors influence the intrarenal arterial Doppler waveform patterns. © American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd 2014. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email

Bulk-wave ultrasonic propagation imagers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbas, Syed Haider; Lee, Jung-Ryul

2018-03-01

Laser-based ultrasound systems are described that utilize the ultrasonic bulk-wave sensing to detect the damages and flaws in the aerospace structures. These systems apply pulse-echo or through transmission methods to detect longitudinal through-the-thickness bulk-waves. These thermoelastic waves are generated using Q-switched laser and non-contact sensing is performed using a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV). Laser-based raster scanning is performed by either twoaxis translation stage for linear-scanning or galvanometer-based laser mirror scanner for angular-scanning. In all ultrasonic propagation imagers, the ultrasonic data is captured and processed in real-time and the ultrasonic propagation can be visualized during scanning. The scanning speed can go up to 1.8 kHz for two-axis linear translation stage based B-UPIs and 10 kHz for galvanometer-based laser mirror scanners. In contrast with the other available ultrasound systems, these systems have the advantage of high-speed, non-contact, real-time, and non-destructive inspection. In this paper, the description of all bulk-wave ultrasonic imagers (B-UPIs) are presented and their advantages are discussed. Experiments are performed with these system on various structures to proof the integrity of their results. The C-scan results produced from non-dispersive, through-the-thickness, bulk-wave detection show good agreement in detection of structural variances and damage location in all inspected structures. These results show that bulk-wave UPIs can be used for in-situ NDE of engineering structures.

Application of vector analysis on study of illuminated area and Doppler characteristics of airborne pulse radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Haijiang; Yang, Ling

2014-12-01

In this paper, the application of vector analysis tool in the illuminated area and the Doppler frequency distribution research for the airborne pulse radar is studied. An important feature of vector analysis is that it can closely combine the geometric ideas with algebraic calculations. Through coordinate transform, the relationship between the frame of radar antenna and the ground, under aircraft motion attitude, is derived. Under the time-space analysis, the overlap area between the footprint of radar beam and the pulse-illuminated zone is obtained. Furthermore, the Doppler frequency expression is successfully deduced. In addition, the Doppler frequency distribution is plotted finally. Using the time-space analysis results, some important parameters of a specified airborne radar system are obtained. Simultaneously, the results are applied to correct the phase error brought by attitude change in airborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging.

A digital, constant-frequency pulsed phase-locked-loop instrument for real-time, absolute ultrasonic phase measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haldren, H. A.; Perey, D. F.; Yost, W. T.; Cramer, K. E.; Gupta, M. C.

2018-05-01

A digitally controlled instrument for conducting single-frequency and swept-frequency ultrasonic phase measurements has been developed based on a constant-frequency pulsed phase-locked-loop (CFPPLL) design. This instrument uses a pair of direct digital synthesizers to generate an ultrasonically transceived tone-burst and an internal reference wave for phase comparison. Real-time, constant-frequency phase tracking in an interrogated specimen is possible with a resolution of 0.000 38 rad (0.022°), and swept-frequency phase measurements can be obtained. Using phase measurements, an absolute thickness in borosilicate glass is presented to show the instrument's efficacy, and these results are compared to conventional ultrasonic pulse-echo time-of-flight (ToF) measurements. The newly developed instrument predicted the thickness with a mean error of -0.04 μm and a standard deviation of error of 1.35 μm. Additionally, the CFPPLL instrument shows a lower measured phase error in the absence of changing temperature and couplant thickness than high-resolution cross-correlation ToF measurements at a similar signal-to-noise ratio. By showing higher accuracy and precision than conventional pulse-echo ToF measurements and lower phase errors than cross-correlation ToF measurements, the new digitally controlled CFPPLL instrument provides high-resolution absolute ultrasonic velocity or path-length measurements in solids or liquids, as well as tracking of material property changes with high sensitivity. The ability to obtain absolute phase measurements allows for many new applications than possible with previous ultrasonic pulsed phase-locked loop instruments. In addition to improved resolution, swept-frequency phase measurements add useful capability in measuring properties of layered structures, such as bonded joints, or materials which exhibit non-linear frequency-dependent behavior, such as dispersive media.

Gas ultrasonic flow rate measurement through genetic-ant colony optimization based on the ultrasonic pulse received signal model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Huirang; Zheng, Dandan; Nie, Laixiao

2015-04-01

For gas ultrasonic flowmeters, the signals received by ultrasonic sensors are susceptible to noise interference. If signals are mingled with noise, a large error in flow measurement can be caused by triggering mistakenly using the traditional double-threshold method. To solve this problem, genetic-ant colony optimization (GACO) based on the ultrasonic pulse received signal model is proposed. Furthermore, in consideration of the real-time performance of the flow measurement system, the improvement of processing only the first three cycles of the received signals rather than the whole signal is proposed. Simulation results show that the GACO algorithm has the best estimation accuracy and ant-noise ability compared with the genetic algorithm, ant colony optimization, double-threshold and enveloped zero-crossing. Local convergence doesn’t appear with the GACO algorithm until -10 dB. For the GACO algorithm, the converging accuracy and converging speed and the amount of computation are further improved when using the first three cycles (called GACO-3cycles). Experimental results involving actual received signals show that the accuracy of single-gas ultrasonic flow rate measurement can reach 0.5% with GACO-3 cycles, which is better than with the double-threshold method.

Portable apparatus with CRT display for nondestructive testing of concrete by the ultrasonic pulse method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manta, G.; Gurau, Y.; Nica, P.; Facacaru, I.

1974-01-01

The development of methods for the nondestructive study of concrete structures is discussed. The nondestructive test procedure is based on the method of ultrasonic pulse transmission through the material. The measurements indicate that the elastic properties of concrete or other heterogeneous materials are a function of the rate of ultrasonic propagation. Diagrams of the test equipment are provided. Mathematical models are included to support the theoretical aspects.

Ultrasonic thermometry using pulse techniques.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lynnworth, L. C.; Carnevale, E. H.

1972-01-01

Ultrasonic pulse techniques have been developed which, when applied to inert gases, provide temperature measurements up to 8000 K. The response time can be less than 1 msec. This is a significant feature in studying shock-heated or combusting gases. Using a momentary contact coupling technique, temperature has been measured inside steel from 300 to 1500 K. Thin-wire sensors have been used above 2000 K in nuclear and industrial applications where conditions preclude the use of thermocouples, resistance devices, or optical pyrometers. At 2500 K, temperature sensitivity of 0.1% is obtained in Re wire sensors 5 cm long by timing five round trips with an electronic instrument that resolves the time interval between selected echoes to 0.1 microsec. Sensors have been operated at rotational speeds over 2000 rpm and in noisy environments. Temperature profiling of up to ten regions using only a single guided path or beam has also been accomplished.

Air-coupled ultrasonic sensing of grass-covered vibrating surfaces; qualitative comparisons with laser Doppler vibrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petculescu, Andi G.; Sabatier, James M.

2004-04-01

The paper addresses several sensitive issues concerning the use of air-coupled ultrasound to probe small vibrations of surfaces covered with low-lying vegetation such as grass. The operation of the ultrasonic sensor is compared to that of a laser Doppler vibrometer, in various contexts. It is shown that ambient air motion affects either system, albeit differently. As air speed increases, the acoustic sensor detects a progressively richer turbulent spectrum, which reduces its sensitivity. In turn, optical sensors are prone to tremendous signal losses when probing moving vegetation, due to randomly varying speckle patterns. The work was supported by the Office of Naval Research.

The pulse-pair algorithm as a robust estimator of turbulent weather spectral parameters using airborne pulse Doppler radar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baxa, Ernest G., Jr.; Lee, Jonggil

1991-01-01

The pulse pair method for spectrum parameter estimation is commonly used in pulse Doppler weather radar signal processing since it is economical to implement and can be shown to be a maximum likelihood estimator. With the use of airborne weather radar for windshear detection, the turbulent weather and strong ground clutter return spectrum differs from that assumed in its derivation, so the performance robustness of the pulse pair technique must be understood. Here, the effect of radar system pulse to pulse phase jitter and signal spectrum skew on the pulse pair algorithm performance is discussed. Phase jitter effect may be significant when the weather return signal to clutter ratio is very low and clutter rejection filtering is attempted. The analysis can be used to develop design specifications for airborne radar system phase stability. It is also shown that the weather return spectrum skew can cause a significant bias in the pulse pair mean windspeed estimates, and that the poly pulse pair algorithm can reduce this bias. It is suggested that use of a spectrum mode estimator may be more appropriate in characterizing the windspeed within a radar range resolution cell for detection of hazardous windspeed gradients.

Pulsed ultrasonic comb filtering effect and its applications in the measurement of sound velocity and thickness of thin plates.

PubMed

Liu, Jingfei; Declercq, Nico F

2017-03-01

An analytical and experimental study of the pulsed ultrasonic comb filtering effect is presented in this work intending to provide a fundamental tool for data analysis and phenomenon understanding in pulsed ultrasonics. The basic types of comb filter, feedforward and feedback filters, are numerically simulated and demonstrated. The characteristic features of comb filters, which include the formula for determining the locations of the spectral peaks or notches and the relationship between its temporal characteristics (relative time delay between constituent pulses) and its spectral characteristics (frequency interval between peaks or notches), are theoretically derived. To demonstrate the applicability of the comb filtering effect, it is applied to measuring the sound velocities and thickness of a thin plate sample. It is proven that the comb filtering effect based method not only is capable of accurate measurements, but also has advantages over the conventional time-of-flight based method in thin plate measurements. Furthermore, the principles developed in this study have potential applications in any pulsed ultrasonic cases where the output signal shows comb filter features. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tunable time-reversal cavity for high-pressure ultrasonic pulses generation: A tradeoff between transmission and time compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnal, Bastien; Pernot, Mathieu; Fink, Mathias; Tanter, Mickael

2012-08-01

This Letter presents a time reversal cavity that has both a high reverberation time and a good transmission factor. A multiple scattering medium has been embedded inside a fluid-filled reverberating cavity. This allows creating smart ultrasonic sources able to generate very high pressure pulses at the focus outside the cavity with large steering capabilities. Experiments demonstrate a 25 dB gain in pressure at the focus. This concept will enable us to convert conventional ultrasonic imaging probes driven by low power electronics into high power probes for therapeutic applications requiring high pressure focused pulses, such as histotripsy or lithotripsy.

Note: Pulsed single longitudinal mode optical parametric oscillator for sub-Doppler spectroscopy of jet cooled transient species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qiang; Zhu, Boxing; Zhang, Deping; Gu, Jingwang; Zhao, Dongfeng; Chen, Yang

2017-12-01

We present a pulsed single longitudinal mode optical parametric oscillator that was recently constructed for sub-Doppler spectroscopic studies of transient species in a supersonic slit jet expansion environment. The system consists of a Littman-type grazing-incidence-grating resonator and a KTP crystal and is pumped at 532 nm. By spatially filtering the pump laser beam and employing an active cavity-length-stabilization scheme, a frequency down-conversion efficiency up to 18% and generation of Fourier-transform limited pulses with a typical pulse duration of ˜5.5 ns and a bandwidth less than 120 MHz have been achieved. In combination with a slit jet expansion, a sub-Doppler spectrum of SiC2 has been recorded at ˜498 nm, showing a spectral resolution of Δν/ν ≈ 6.2 × 10-7.

Pulsed and Tissue Doppler Echocardiographic Changes in Hypertensive Crisis with and without End Organ Damage

PubMed Central

Garadah, Taysir; Kassab, Salah; Gabani, Saleh; Abu-Taleb, Ahmed; Abdelatif, Ahmed; Asef, Aysha; Shoroqi, Issa; Jamsheer, Anwer

2011-01-01

Background Hypertensive crisis (HC) is a common medical emergency associated with acute rise in arterial blood pressure that leads to end-organ damage (EOD). Therefore, it is imperative to find markers that may help in the prediction of EOD in acute hypertensive crisis. Aim To assess the clinical presentations on admission; echocardiographic changes of pulsed and tissue Doppler changes in EOD patients compared with no EOD; and the risk of developing end organ damage for clinical and biochemical variables in hypertension crisis. Material and Methods The data of 241 patients with hypertensive crisis with systolic blood pressure (SBP) of >180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >120 mmHg were extracted from patients files. Patients divided into hypertensive emergency (HE) with EOD, n = 62 and hypertensive urgency (HU) without EOD, n = 179. LV hypertrophy on ECG, echo parameters for wall thickness, left Ventricular mass index (LVMI), Body mass index (BMI), pulse Doppler ratio of early filling velocity E wave to late A wave (E/A) and ratio of E wave velocity to tissue Doppler Em to E wave (E/Em) were evaluated. Serum creatinine, hemoglobin, age, gender, body mass Index (BMI), history of diabetes mellitus, smoking, hypertension, stroke and hyperlipidemia were recorded. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied for risk prediction of end organ damage of clinical variables. Results Patients with HE compared with HU were significantly older, with a significantly higher SBP on admission, high BMI and LVMI. Further there were significantly higher E/A ratio on Doppler echo and higher E/Em ratio on tissue Doppler echocardiogram. Multiple regression analysis with adjustment for age and sex shows positive predictive value with odds ratio of SBP on admission >220 mmHg of 1.98, serum creatinine > 120 µg/L of 1.43, older age > 60 year of 1.304, obesity (BMI ≥ 30) of 1.9, male gender of 2.26 and left ventricle hypertrophy on ECG of 1.92. The hemoglobin level, history of

Pulsed and Tissue Doppler Echocardiographic Changes in Hypertensive Crisis with and without End Organ Damage.

PubMed

Garadah, Taysir; Kassab, Salah; Gabani, Saleh; Abu-Taleb, Ahmed; Abdelatif, Ahmed; Asef, Aysha; Shoroqi, Issa; Jamsheer, Anwer

2011-01-01

Hypertensive crisis (HC) is a common medical emergency associated with acute rise in arterial blood pressure that leads to end-organ damage (EOD). Therefore, it is imperative to find markers that may help in the prediction of EOD in acute hypertensive crisis. To assess the clinical presentations on admission; echocardiographic changes of pulsed and tissue Doppler changes in EOD patients compared with no EOD; and the risk of developing end organ damage for clinical and biochemical variables in hypertension crisis. The data of 241 patients with hypertensive crisis with systolic blood pressure (SBP) of >180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >120 mmHg were extracted from patients files. Patients divided into hypertensive emergency (HE) with EOD, n = 62 and hypertensive urgency (HU) without EOD, n = 179. LV hypertrophy on ECG, echo parameters for wall thickness, left Ventricular mass index (LVMI), Body mass index (BMI), pulse Doppler ratio of early filling velocity E wave to late A wave (E/A) and ratio of E wave velocity to tissue Doppler Em to E wave (E/Em) were evaluated. Serum creatinine, hemoglobin, age, gender, body mass Index (BMI), history of diabetes mellitus, smoking, hypertension, stroke and hyperlipidemia were recorded. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied for risk prediction of end organ damage of clinical variables. Patients with HE compared with HU were significantly older, with a significantly higher SBP on admission, high BMI and LVMI. Further there were significantly higher E/A ratio on Doppler echo and higher E/Em ratio on tissue Doppler echocardiogram. Multiple regression analysis with adjustment for age and sex shows positive predictive value with odds ratio of SBP on admission >220 mmHg of 1.98, serum creatinine > 120 µg/L of 1.43, older age > 60 year of 1.304, obesity (BMI ≥ 30) of 1.9, male gender of 2.26 and left ventricle hypertrophy on ECG of 1.92. The hemoglobin level, history of smoking, hyperlipidemia and DM were with no

Pulsed activation measurement of the Doppler effect of uranium-238 over the temperature range 300 to 3115 K

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bhattacharyya, S.K.; Russell, G.J.; Foell, W.K.

The Doppler effect for /sup 235/U-enriched UO/sub 2/ fuel pellets has been measured by the Pulsed Activation Doppler (PAD) technique in a TRIGA reactor. A combination of static electrical preheating and pulsed fission heating during irradiation was used to perform the measurements at temperatures extending from 300 K to the melting point of UO/sub 2/ (3115 K). The /sup 235/U enrichment in the experimental samples investigated ranged from 0.22 to 12 percent by weight. Measurements were made at under partially molten conditions of UO/sub 2/. Two sizes of pellets were used, with nominal surface-to-mass ratio values of 0.63 and 1.08more » cm/sup 2//g, respectively. The experimentally determined values of the Doppler ratio were in good agreement with resonance integral ratios determined from GAROL calculations and extrapolations of the low-temperature Hellstrand correlation.« less

Simulation of ultrasonic pulse propagation, distortion, and attenuation in the human chest wall.

PubMed

Mast, T D; Hinkelman, L M; Metlay, L A; Orr, M J; Waag, R C

1999-12-01

A finite-difference time-domain model for ultrasonic pulse propagation through soft tissue has been extended to incorporate absorption effects as well as longitudinal-wave propagation in cartilage and bone. This extended model has been used to simulate ultrasonic propagation through anatomically detailed representations of chest wall structure. The inhomogeneous chest wall tissue is represented by two-dimensional maps determined by staining chest wall cross sections to distinguish between tissue types, digitally scanning the stained cross sections, and mapping each pixel of the scanned images to fat, muscle, connective tissue, cartilage, or bone. Each pixel of the tissue map is then assigned a sound speed, density, and absorption value determined from published measurements and assumed to be representative of the local tissue type. Computational results for energy level fluctuations and arrival time fluctuations show qualitative agreement with measurements performed on the same specimens, but show significantly less waveform distortion than measurements. Visualization of simulated tissue-ultrasound interactions in the chest wall shows possible mechanisms for image aberration in echocardiography, including effects associated with reflection and diffraction caused by rib structures. A comparison of distortion effects for varying pulse center frequencies shows that, for soft tissue paths through the chest wall, energy level and waveform distortion increase markedly with rising ultrasonic frequency and that arrival-time fluctuations increase to a lesser degree.

Pulsed laser Doppler measurements of wind shear

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dimarzio, C.; Harris, C.; Bilbro, J. W.; Weaver, E. A.; Burnham, D. C.; Hallock, J. N.

1979-01-01

There is a need for a sensor at the airport that can remotely detect, identify, and track wind shears near the airport in order to assure aircraft safety. To determine the viability of a laser wind-shear system, the NASA pulsed coherent Doppler CO2 lidar (Jelalian et al., 1972) was installed in a semitrailer van with a rooftop-mounted hemispherical scanner and was used to monitor thunderstorm gust fronts. Wind shears associated with the gust fronts at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) between 5 July and 4 August 1978 were measured and tracked. The most significant data collected at KSC are discussed. The wind shears were clearly visible in both real-time velocity vs. azimuth plots and in postprocessing displays of velocities vs. position. The results indicate that a lidar system cannot be used effectively when moderate precipitation exists between the sensor and the region of interest.

Oxygen consumption estimation with combined color doppler ultrasound and photoacoustic microscopy: a phantom study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yan; Harrison, Tyler; Forbrich, Alex; Zemp, Roger J.

2011-03-01

The metabolic rate of oxygen consumption (MRO2) quantifies tissue metabolism, which is important for diagnosis of many diseases. For a single vessel model, the MRO2 can be estimated in terms of the mean flow velocity, vessel crosssectional area, total concentration of hemoglobin (CHB), and the difference between the oxygen saturation (sO2) of blood flowing into and out of the tissue region. In this work, we would like to show the feasibility to estimate MRO2 with our combined photoacoustic and high-frequency ultrasound imaging system. This system uses a swept-scan 25-MHz ultrasound transducer with confocal dark-field laser illumination optics. A pulse-sequencer enables ultrasonic and laser pulses to be interlaced so that photoacoustic and Doppler ultrasound images are co-registered. Since the mean flow velocity can be measured by color Doppler ultrasound, the vessel cross-sectional area can be measured by power Doppler or photoacoustic imaging, and multi-wavelength photoacoustic methods can be used to estimate sO2 and CHB, all of these parameters necessary for MRO2 estimation can be provided by our system. Experiments have been performed on flow phantoms to generate co-registered color Doppler and photoacoustic images. To verify the sO2 estimation, two ink samples (red and blue) were mixed in various concentration ratios to mimic different levels of sO2, and the result shows a good match between the calculated concentration ratios and actual values.

Ultrasonic actuation for MEMS dormancy-related stiction reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaajakari, Ville; Kan, Shyi-Herng; Lin, Li-Jen; Lal, Amit; Rodgers, M. Steven

2000-08-01

The use of ultrasonic pulses incident on surface micromachines has been shown to reduce dormancy-related failure. We applied ultrasonic pulses from the backside of a silicon substrate carrying SUMMiT processed surface micromachined rotors, used earlier as ultrasonic motors. The amplitude of the pulses was less than what is required to actuate the rotor (sub-threshold actuation). By controlling the ultrasonic pulse exposure time it was found that pulsed samples had smaller actuation voltages as compared to non-pulsed samples after twelve-hour dormancy. This result indicates that the micromachine stiction to surfaces during dormant period can be effectively eliminated, resulting in long-term stability of surface micromachines in critical applications.

Initial laboratory studies of the nondestructive evaluation of concrete consolidation using a pulsed ultrasonic interferometer.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-01-01

The objectives of this study were (1) to study the feasibility of using a pulsed, swept-frequency ultrasonic interferometer in the nondestructive evaluation of the degree of concrete consolidation and (2) to find a correlation between the degree of c...

Vector Doppler: spatial sampling analysis and presentation techniques for real-time systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capineri, Lorenzo; Scabia, Marco; Masotti, Leonardo F.

2001-05-01

The aim of the vector Doppler (VD) technique is the quantitative reconstruction of a velocity field independently of the ultrasonic probe axis to flow angle. In particular vector Doppler is interesting for studying vascular pathologies related to complex blood flow conditions. Clinical applications require a real-time operating mode and the capability to perform Doppler measurements over a defined volume. The combination of these two characteristics produces a real-time vector velocity map. In previous works the authors investigated the theory of pulsed wave (PW) vector Doppler and developed an experimental system capable of producing off-line 3D vector velocity maps. Afterwards, for producing dynamic velocity vector maps, we realized a new 2D vector Doppler system based on a modified commercial echograph. The measurement and presentation of a vector velocity field requires a correct spatial sampling that must satisfy the Shannon criterion. In this work we tackled this problem, establishing a relationship between sampling steps and scanning system characteristics. Another problem posed by the vector Doppler technique is the data representation in real-time that should be easy to interpret for the physician. With this in mine we attempted a multimedia solution that uses both interpolated images and sound to represent the information of the measured vector velocity map. These presentation techniques were experimented for real-time scanning on flow phantoms and preliminary measurements in vivo on a human carotid artery.

Wake Vortex Tracking Using a 35 GHz Pulsed Doppler Radar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neece, Robert T.; Britt, Charles L.; White, Joseph H.; Mudukutore, Ashok; Nguyen, Chi; Hooper, Bill

2005-01-01

A 35 GHz, pulsed-Doppler radar system has been designed and assembled for wake vortex detection and tracking in low visibility conditions. Aircraft wake vortices continue to be an important factor in determining safe following distances or spacings for aircraft in the terminal area. Currently, under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), aircraft adhere to conservative, fixed following-distance guidelines based primarily on aircraft weight classifications. When ambient conditions are such that vortices will either drift or dissipate, leaving the flight corridor clear, the prescribed spacings are unnecessarily long and result in decreased airport throughput. There is a potential for significant airport efficiency improvement, if a system can be employed to aid regulators and pilots in setting safe and efficient following distances based on airport conditions. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Federal Aviation Agency, and Volpe National Transportation Systems Center have promoted and worked to develop systems that would increase airport capacity and provide for safe reductions in aircraft separation. The NASA Aircraft Vortex Spacing System (AVOSS), a wake vortex spacing system that can provide dynamic adjustment of spacings based on real-time airport weather conditions, has demonstrated that Lidar systems can be successfully used to detect and track vortices in clear air conditions. To fill the need for detection capability in low-visibility conditions, a 35 GHz, pulsed-Doppler radar system is being investigated for use as a complimentary, low-visibility sensor for wake vortices. The radar sensor provides spatial and temporal information similar to that provided by Lidar, but under weather conditions that a Lidar cannot penetrate. Currently, we are analyzing the radar design based upon the data and experience gained during the wake vortex Lidar deployment with AVOSS at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. As part of this study

Constant frequency pulsed phase-locked-loop instrument for measurement of ultrasonic velocity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yost, William T.; Cantrell, John H.; Kushnick, Peter W.

1991-01-01

A new instrument based on a constant-frequency pulsed phase-locked-loop (CFPPLL) concept has been developed to accurately measure the ultrasonic wave velocity in liquids and changes in ultrasonic wave velocity in solids and liquids. An analysis of the system shows that it is immune to many of the frequency-dependent effects that plague other techniques. Measurements of the sound velocity in ultrapure water are used to confirm the analysis. The results are in excellent agreement with values from the literature, and establish that the CFPPLL provides a reliable, accurate way to measure velocities, as well as for monitoring small changes in velocity without the sensitivity to frequency-dependent phase shifts common to other measurement systems. The estimated sensitivity to phase changes is better than a few parts in 10 to the 7th.

Measurement of Ultracold Neutrons Produced by Using Doppler-shifted Bragg Reflection at a Pulsed-neutron Source

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Brun, T. O.; Carpenter, J. M.; Krohn, V. E.; Ringo, G. R.; Cronin, J. W.; Dombeck, T. W.; Lynn, J. W.; Werner, S. A.

1979-01-01

Ultracold neutrons (UCN) have been produced at the Argonne pulsed-neutron source by the Doppler shift of 400-m/s neutrons Bragg reflected from a moving crystal. The peak density of UCN produced at the crystal exceeds 0.1 n/cm{sup 3}.

1540-nm single frequency single-mode pulsed all fiber laser for coherent Doppler lidar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xin; Diao, Weifeng; Liu, Yuan; Liu, Jiqiao; Hou, Xia; Chen, Weibiao

2015-02-01

A single-mode single frequency eye-safe pulsed all fiber laser based on master oscillator power amplification structure is presented. This laser is composed of a narrow linewidth distributed laser diode seed laser and two-stage cascade amplifiers. 0.8 m longitudinally gradient strained erbium/ytterbium co-doped polarization-maintaining fiber with a core diameter of 10 μm is used as the gain fiber and two acoustic-optics modulators are adopted to enhance pulse extinction ratio. A peak power of 160 W and a pulse width of 200 ns at 10 kHz repetition rate are achieved with transform-limited linewidth and diffraction-limited beam quality. This laser will be employed in a compact short range coherent Doppler wind lidar.

In vitro evaluation of forward and reverse volumetric flow across a regurgitant aortic valve using Doppler power-weighted mean velocities.

PubMed

Minich, L L; Tani, L Y; Pantalos, G M

1997-01-01

To determine the accuracy of using power-weighted mean velocities for quantitating volumetric flow across a cardiac valve, we equipped pulsatile flow-tank systems with a 25 mm porcine or a 27 mm mechanical valve with various sizes of regurgitant orifices. Forward and reverse volumetric flows were measured over a range of hemodynamic conditions using two insonating angles (0 and 45 degrees). Pulsed Doppler power-weighted mean velocity measurements were obtained simultaneously with electromagnetic or ultrasonic transit-time probe measurements. For the porcine valve, Doppler measurements correlated well with electromagnetic flow measurements for all (r = 0.75 to 0.97, p < 0.05) except the smallest (2.7 mm) orifice (r = 0.19). For the mechanical valve, power-weighted mean velocity measurements correlated well with ultrasonic transit-time measurements for each hemodynamic condition defined by pulse rate, mean arterial pressure, and insonating angle (r = 0.93 to 0.99, p < 0.01), but equations varied unpredictably. Thus, although power-weighted mean velocity volumetric flow measurements correlate well with flow probe measurements, equations vary widely as hemodynamic conditions change. Because of this variation, power-weighted mean velocity data are not useful for quantitation of volumetric flow across a cardiac valve at this time. Further investigation may show how different hemodynamic conditions affect power-weighted mean velocity measurements of volumetric flow.

Ultrasonic Power Output Measurement by Pulsed Radiation Pressure

PubMed Central

Fick, Steven E.; Breckenridge, Franklin R.

1996-01-01

Direct measurements of time-averaged spatially integrated output power radiated into reflectionless water loads can be made with high accuracy using techniques which exploit the radiation pressure exerted by sound on all objects in its path. With an absorptive target arranged to intercept the entirety of an ultrasound beam, total beam power can be determined as accurately as the radiation force induced on the target can be measured in isolation from confounding forces due to buoyancy, streaming, surface tension, and vibration. Pulse modulation of the incident ultrasound at a frequency well above those characteristics of confounding phenomena provides the desired isolation and other significant advantages in the operation of the radiation force balance (RFB) constructed in 1974. Equipped with purpose-built transducers and electronics, the RFB is adjusted to equate the radiation force and a counterforce generated by an actuator calibrated against reference masses using direct current as the transfer variable. Improvements made during its one overhaul in 1988 have nearly halved its overall measurement uncertainty and extended the capabilities of the RFB to include measuring the output of ultrasonic systems with arbitrary pulse waveforms. PMID:27805084

Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor using a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer array integrated with complementary metal oxide semiconductor electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Y.; Tang, H.; Fung, S.; Wang, Q.; Tsai, J. M.; Daneman, M.; Boser, B. E.; Horsley, D. A.

2015-06-01

This paper presents an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor based on a 24 × 8 array of 22 MHz piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) with 100 μm pitch, fully integrated with 180 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuitry through eutectic wafer bonding. Each PMUT is directly bonded to a dedicated CMOS receive amplifier, minimizing electrical parasitics and eliminating the need for through-silicon vias. The array frequency response and vibration mode-shape were characterized using laser Doppler vibrometry and verified via finite element method simulation. The array's acoustic output was measured using a hydrophone to be ˜14 kPa with a 28 V input, in reasonable agreement with predication from analytical calculation. Pulse-echo imaging of a 1D steel grating is demonstrated using electronic scanning of a 20 × 8 sub-array, resulting in 300 mV maximum received amplitude and 5:1 contrast ratio. Because the small size of this array limits the maximum image size, mechanical scanning was used to image a 2D polydimethylsiloxane fingerprint phantom (10 mm × 8 mm) at a 1.2 mm distance from the array.

Doppler color imaging. Principles and instrumentation.

PubMed

Kremkau, F W

1992-01-01

DCI acquires Doppler-shifted echoes from a cross-section of tissue scanned by an ultrasound beam. These echoes are then presented in color and superimposed on the gray-scale anatomic image of non-Doppler-shifted echoes received during the scan. The flow echoes are assigned colors according to the color map chosen. Usually red, yellow, or white indicates positive Doppler shifts (approaching flow) and blue, cyan, or white indicates negative shifts (receding flow). Green is added to indicate variance (disturbed or turbulent flow). Several pulses (the number is called the ensemble length) are needed to generate a color scan line. Linear, convex, phased, and annular arrays are used to acquire the gray-scale and color-flow information. Doppler color-flow instruments are pulsed-Doppler instruments and are subject to the same limitations, such as Doppler angle dependence and aliasing, as other Doppler instruments. Color controls include gain, TGC, map selection, variance on/off, persistence, ensemble length, color/gray priority. Nyquist limit (PRF), baseline shift, wall filter, and color window angle, location, and size. Doppler color-flow instruments generally have output intensities intermediate between those of gray-scale imaging and pulsed-Doppler duplex instruments. Although there is no known risk with the use of color-flow instruments, prudent practice dictates that they be used for medical indications and with the minimum exposure time and instrument output required to obtain the needed diagnostic information.

Radar Doppler Processing with Nonuniform Sampling.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Doerry, Armin W.

2017-07-01

Conventional signal processing to estimate radar Doppler frequency often assumes uniform pulse/sample spacing. This is for the convenience of t he processing. More recent performance enhancements in processor capability allow optimally processing nonuniform pulse/sample spacing, thereby overcoming some of the baggage that attends uniform sampling, such as Doppler ambiguity and SNR losses due to sidelobe control measures.

Phase noise in pulsed Doppler lidar and limitations on achievable single-shot velocity accuracy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcnicholl, P.; Alejandro, S.

1992-01-01

The smaller sampling volumes afforded by Doppler lidars compared to radars allows for spatial resolutions at and below some sheer and turbulence wind structure scale sizes. This has brought new emphasis on achieving the optimum product of wind velocity and range resolutions. Several recent studies have considered the effects of amplitude noise, reduction algorithms, and possible hardware related signal artifacts on obtainable velocity accuracy. We discuss here the limitation on this accuracy resulting from the incoherent nature and finite temporal extent of backscatter from aerosols. For a lidar return from a hard (or slab) target, the phase of the intermediate frequency (IF) signal is random and the total return energy fluctuates from shot to shot due to speckle; however, the offset from the transmitted frequency is determinable with an accuracy subject only to instrumental effects and the signal to noise ratio (SNR), the noise being determined by the LO power in the shot noise limited regime. This is not the case for a return from a media extending over a range on the order of or greater than the spatial extent of the transmitted pulse, such as from atmospheric aerosols. In this case, the phase of the IF signal will exhibit a temporal random walk like behavior. It will be uncorrelated over times greater than the pulse duration as the transmitted pulse samples non-overlapping volumes of scattering centers. Frequency analysis of the IF signal in a window similar to the transmitted pulse envelope will therefore show shot-to-shot frequency deviations on the order of the inverse pulse duration reflecting the random phase rate variations. Like speckle, these deviations arise from the incoherent nature of the scattering process and diminish if the IF signal is averaged over times greater than a single range resolution cell (here the pulse duration). Apart from limiting the high SNR performance of a Doppler lidar, this shot-to-shot variance in velocity estimates has a

Staggered Multiple-PRF Ultrafast Color Doppler.

PubMed

Posada, Daniel; Poree, Jonathan; Pellissier, Arnaud; Chayer, Boris; Tournoux, Francois; Cloutier, Guy; Garcia, Damien

2016-06-01

Color Doppler imaging is an established pulsed ultrasound technique to visualize blood flow non-invasively. High-frame-rate (ultrafast) color Doppler, by emissions of plane or circular wavefronts, allows severalfold increase in frame rates. Conventional and ultrafast color Doppler are both limited by the range-velocity dilemma, which may result in velocity folding (aliasing) for large depths and/or large velocities. We investigated multiple pulse-repetition-frequency (PRF) emissions arranged in a series of staggered intervals to remove aliasing in ultrafast color Doppler. Staggered PRF is an emission process where time delays between successive pulse transmissions change in an alternating way. We tested staggered dual- and triple-PRF ultrafast color Doppler, 1) in vitro in a spinning disc and a free jet flow, and 2) in vivo in a human left ventricle. The in vitro results showed that the Nyquist velocity could be extended to up to 6 times the conventional limit. We found coefficients of determination r(2) ≥ 0.98 between the de-aliased and ground-truth velocities. Consistent de-aliased Doppler images were also obtained in the human left heart. Our results demonstrate that staggered multiple-PRF ultrafast color Doppler is efficient for high-velocity high-frame-rate blood flow imaging. This is particularly relevant for new developments in ultrasound imaging relying on accurate velocity measurements.

The Doppler Pendulum Experiment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, C. K.; Wong, H. K.

2011-01-01

An experiment to verify the Doppler effect of sound waves is described. An ultrasonic source is mounted at the end of a simple pendulum. As the pendulum swings, the rapid change of frequency can be recorded by a stationary receiver using a simple frequency-to-voltage converter. The experimental results are in close agreement with the Doppler…

Floating Ultrasonic Transducer Inspection System and Method for Nondestructive Evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, Patrick H. (Inventor); Zalameda, Joseph N. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A method for inspecting a structural sample using ultrasonic energy includes positioning an ultrasonic transducer adjacent to a surface of the sample, and then transmitting ultrasonic energy into the sample. Force pulses are applied to the transducer concurrently with transmission of the ultrasonic energy. A host machine processes ultrasonic return pulses from an ultrasonic pulser/receiver to quantify attenuation of the ultrasonic energy within the sample. The host machine detects a defect in the sample using the quantified level of attenuation. The method may include positioning a dry couplant between an ultrasonic transducer and the surface. A system includes an actuator, an ultrasonic transducer, a dry couplant between the transducer the sample, a scanning device that moves the actuator and transducer, and a measurement system having a pulsed actuator power supply, an ultrasonic pulser/receiver, and a host machine that executes the above method.

Correlation between compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity of high strength concrete incorporating chopped basalt fibre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shafiq, Nasir; Fadhilnuruddin, Muhd; Elshekh, Ali Elheber Ahmed; Fathi, Ahmed

2015-07-01

Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), is considered as the most important test for non-destructive techniques that are used to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of high strength concrete (HSC). The relationship between the compressive strength of HSC containing chopped basalt fibre stands (CBSF) and UPV was investigated. The concrete specimens were prepared using a different ratio of CBSF as internal strengthening materials. The compressive strength measurements were conducted at the sample ages of 3, 7, 28, 56 and 90 days; whilst, the ultrasonic pulse velocity was measured at 28 days. The result of HSC's compressive strength with the chopped basalt fibre did not show any improvement; instead, it was decreased. The UPV of the chopped basalt fibre reinforced concrete has been found to be less than that of the control mix for each addition ratio of the basalt fibre. A relationship plot is gained between the cube compressive strength for HSC and UPV with various amounts of chopped basalt fibres.

Ultrasonic Bat Deterrent Technology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kinzie, Kevin; Rominger, Kathryn M.

The project objective was to advance the development and testing of an Near commercial bat-deterrent system with a goal to increase the current GE deterrent system effectiveness to over 50% with broad species applicability. Additionally, the research supported by this program has provided insights into bat behavior and ultrasonic deterrent design that had not previously been explored. Prior research and development had demonstrated the effectiveness of a commercial-grade, air-powered, ultrasonic bat deterrent to be between 30-50% depending upon the species of bat. However, the previous research provided limited insight into the behavioral responses of bats in the presence of ultrasonicmore » deterrent sound fields that could be utilized to improve effectiveness. A unique bat flight room was utilized to observe the behavioral characteristics of bats in the presence of ultrasonic sound fields. Behavioral testing in the bat flight facility demonstrated that ultrasonic sounds similar to those produced by the GE deterrent influenced the activities and behaviors, primarily those associated with foraging, of the species exposed. The study also indicated that continuous and pulsing ultrasonic signals had a similar effect on the bats, and confirmed that as ultrasonic sounds attenuate, their influence on the bats’ activities and behavior decreases. Ground testing at Wolf Ridge Wind, LLC and Shawnee National Forest assessed both continuous and pulsing deterrent signals emitted from the GE deterrent system and further enhanced the behavioral understanding of bats in the presence of the deterrent. With these data and observations, the existing 4-nozzle continuous, or steady, emission ultrasonic system was redesigned to a 6-nozzle system that could emit a pulsing signal covering a larger air space around a turbine. Twelve GE 1.6-100 turbines were outfitted with the deterrent system and a formal three-month field study was performed using daily carcass searches beneath the 12

Wind Profiling from a New Compact, Pulsed, 2-Micron, Coherent-Detection Doppler Lidar Transceiver during Wind Measurement Intercomparison

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Upendra N.; Koch, Grady J.; Kavaya, Michael J.; Yu, Jirong; Beyon, Jeffrey Y.; Demoz, B.; Veneable, D.

2009-01-01

NASA Langley Research Center has a long history of developing 2-micron laser transmitter for wind sensing. With support from NASA Laser Risk Reduction Program (LRRP) and Instrument Incubator Program (IIP), NASA Langley Research Center has developed a state-of-the-art compact lidar transceiver for a pulsed coherent Doppler lidar system for wind measurement. This lidar system was recently deployed at Howard University facility in Beltsville, Maryland, along with other wind lidar systems. Coherent Doppler wind lidar ground-based wind measurements and comparisons with other lidars and other sensors will be presented.

Ultrasonic ranging and data telemetry system

DOEpatents

Brashear, Hugh R.; Blair, Michael S.; Phelps, James E.; Bauer, Martin L.; Nowlin, Charles H.

1990-01-01

An ultrasonic ranging and data telemetry system determines a surveyor's position and automatically links it with other simultaneously taken survey data. An ultrasonic and radio frequency (rf) transmitter are carried by the surveyor in a backpack. The surveyor's position is determined by calculations that use the measured transmission times of an airborne ultrasonic pulse transmitted from the backpack to two or more prepositioned ultrasonic transceivers. Once a second, rf communications are used both to synchronize the ultrasonic pulse transmission-time measurements and to transmit other simultaneously taken survey data. The rf communications are interpreted by a portable receiver and microcomputer which are brought to the property site. A video display attached to the computer provides real-time visual monitoring of the survey progress and site coverage.

EEG, evoked potentials and pulsed Doppler in asphyxiated term infants.

PubMed

Julkunen, Mia K; Himanen, Sari-Leena; Eriksson, Kai; Janas, Martti; Luukkaala, Tiina; Tammela, Outi

2014-09-01

To evaluate electroencephalograms (EEG), evoked potentials (EPs) and Doppler findings in the cerebral arteries as predictors of a 1-year outcome in asphyxiated newborn infants. EEG and EPs (brain stem auditory (BAEP), somatosensory (SEP), visual (VEP) evoked potentials) were assessed in 30 asphyxiated and 30 healthy term infants during the first days (range 1-8). Cerebral blood flow velocities (CBFV) were measured from the cerebral arteries using pulsed Doppler at ∼24h of age. EEG, EPs, Doppler findings, symptoms of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and their combination were evaluated in predicting a 1-year outcome. An abnormal EEG background predicted poor outcome in the asphyxia group with a sensitivity of 67% and 81% specificity, and an abnormal SEP with 75% and 79%, respectively. Combining increased systolic CBFV (mean+3SD) with abnormal EEG or SEP improved the specificity, but not the sensitivity. The predictive values of abnormal BAEP and VEP were poor. Normal EEG and SEP predicted good outcome in the asphyxia group with sensitivities from 79% to 81%. The combination of normal EEG, normal SEP and systolic CBFV<3SD predicted good outcome with a sensitivity of 74% and 100% specificity. Combining abnormal EEG or EPs findings with increased systolic CBFV did not improve prediction of a poor 1-year outcome of asphyxiated infants. Normal EEG and normal SEP combined with systolic CBFV<3SD at about 24 h can be valuable in the prediction of normal 1-year outcome. Combining systolic CBFV at 24 h with EEG and SEP examinations can be of use in the prediction of normal 1-year outcome among asphyxiated infants. Copyright © 2014 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Repeatability, variability and reference values of pulsed wave Doppler echocardiographic measurements in healthy Saanen goats

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Pulsed wave (PW) Doppler echocardiography has become a routine non invasive cardiac diagnostic tool in most species. However, evaluation of intracardiac blood flow requires reference values, which are poorly documented in goats. The aim of this study was to test the repeatability, the variability, and to establish the reference values of PW measurements in healthy adult Saanen goats. Using a standardised PW Doppler echocardiographic protocol, 10 healthy adult unsedated female Saanen goats were investigated three times at one day intervals by the same observer. Mitral, tricuspid, aortic and pulmonary flows were measured from a right parasternal view, and mitral and aortic flows were also measured from a left parasternal view. The difference between left and right side measurements and the intra-observer inter-day repeatability were tested and then the reference values of PW Doppler echocardiographic parameters in healthy adult female Saanen goats were established. Results As documented in other species, all caprine PW Doppler parameters demonstrated a poor inter-day repeatability and a moderate variability. Tricuspid and pulmonary flows were best evaluated on the right side whereas mitral and aortic flows were best obtained on the left side, and reference values are reported for healthy adult Saanen goats. Conclusions PW Doppler echocardiography allows the measurement of intracardiac blood flow indices in goats. The reference values establishment will help interpreting these indices of cardiac function in clinical cardiac cases and developing animal models for human cardiology research. PMID:23067875

High-frequency dual mode pulsed wave Doppler imaging for monitoring the functional regeneration of adult zebrafish hearts

PubMed Central

Kang, Bong Jin; Park, Jinhyoung; Kim, Jieun; Kim, Hyung Ham; Lee, Changyang; Hwang, Jae Youn; Lien, Ching-Ling; Shung, K. Kirk

2015-01-01

Adult zebrafish is a well-known small animal model for studying heart regeneration. Although the regeneration of scars made by resecting the ventricular apex has been visualized with histological methods, there is no adequate imaging tool for tracking the functional recovery of the damaged heart. For this reason, high-frequency Doppler echocardiography using dual mode pulsed wave Doppler, which provides both tissue Doppler (TD) and Doppler flow in a same cardiac cycle, is developed with a 30 MHz high-frequency array ultrasound imaging system. Phantom studies show that the Doppler flow mode of the dual mode is capable of measuring the flow velocity from 0.1 to 15 cm s−1 with high accuracy (p-value = 0.974 > 0.05). In the in vivo study of zebrafish, both TD and Doppler flow signals were simultaneously obtained from the zebrafish heart for the first time, and the synchronized valve motions with the blood flow signals were identified. In the longitudinal study on the zebrafish heart regeneration, the parameters for diagnosing the diastolic dysfunction, for example, E/Em < 10, E/A < 0.14 for wild-type zebrafish, were measured, and the type of diastolic dysfunction caused by the amputation was found to be similar to the restrictive filling. The diastolic function was fully recovered within four weeks post-amputation. PMID:25505135

Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor using a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer array integrated with complementary metal oxide semiconductor electronics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Y.; Fung, S.; Wang, Q.

2015-06-29

This paper presents an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor based on a 24 × 8 array of 22 MHz piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) with 100 μm pitch, fully integrated with 180 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuitry through eutectic wafer bonding. Each PMUT is directly bonded to a dedicated CMOS receive amplifier, minimizing electrical parasitics and eliminating the need for through-silicon vias. The array frequency response and vibration mode-shape were characterized using laser Doppler vibrometry and verified via finite element method simulation. The array's acoustic output was measured using a hydrophone to be ∼14 kPa with a 28 V input, in reasonable agreement with predication from analyticalmore » calculation. Pulse-echo imaging of a 1D steel grating is demonstrated using electronic scanning of a 20 × 8 sub-array, resulting in 300 mV maximum received amplitude and 5:1 contrast ratio. Because the small size of this array limits the maximum image size, mechanical scanning was used to image a 2D polydimethylsiloxane fingerprint phantom (10 mm × 8 mm) at a 1.2 mm distance from the array.« less

The doppler frequency shift caused by the inhomogeneities of a medium induced by pulses of intense laser radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rozanov, N. N.; Kiselev, Al. S.; Kiselev, An. S.

2008-08-01

Self-reflection of pulses of intense laser radiation from an inhomogeneity induced by them in a medium with fast optical nonlinearity is analyzed. The reflected radiation is characterized by a considerable Doppler shift and by a signal magnitude that is sufficient for experimental detection.

[Estimation of the atrioventricular time interval by pulse Doppler in the normal fetal heart].

PubMed

Hamela-Olkowska, Anita; Dangel, Joanna

2009-08-01

To assess normative values of the fetal atrioventricular (AV) time interval by pulse-wave Doppler methods on 5-chamber view. Fetal echocardiography exams were performed using Acuson Sequoia 512 in 140 singleton fetuses at 18 to 40 weeks of gestation with sinus rhythm and normal cardiac and extracardiac anatomy. Pulsed Doppler derived AV intervals were measured from left ventricular inflow/outflow view using transabdominal convex 3.5-6 MHz probe. The values of AV time interval ranged from 100 to 150 ms (mean 123 +/- 11.2). The AV interval was negatively correlated with the heart rhythm (p<0.001). Fetal heart rate decreased as gestation progressed (p<0.001). Thus, the AV intervals increased with the age of gestation (p=0.007). However, in the same subgroup of the fetal heart rate there was no relation between AV intervals and gestational age. Therefore, the AV intervals showed only the heart rate dependence. The 95th percentiles of AV intervals according to FHR ranged from 135 to 148 ms. 1. The AV interval duration was negatively correlated with the heart rhythm. 2. Measurement of AV time interval is easy to perform and has a good reproducibility. It may be used for the fetal heart block screening in anti-Ro and anti-La positive pregnancies. 3. Normative values established in the study may help obstetricians in assessing fetal abnormalities of the AV conduction.

Causes of Ultrasound Doppler Twinkling Artifact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leonov, D. V.; Kulberg, N. S.; Gromov, A. I.; Morozov, S. P.; Kim, S. Yu.

2018-01-01

Ultrasound Doppler twinkling artifact is analyzed. It usually appears as a frequent color alteration in the region of hyperechoic objects. Its noiselike spectrum can also be seen in spectral Doppler mode. Physicians use twinkling artifact as a clinical sign for kidney-stone and soft-tissue calculi detection. The advantageous peculiarity of this study is that the experiments were conducted utilizing raw signals obtained from a custom ultrasonic machine and a specially developed phantom. The phantom contained specimens with known qualities, allowing for reproducible and predictable results. The experiments revealed evidence for two physical causes of twinkling artifact, which were associated with two unique Doppler signals. The research laid the foundation for the new reflected-signal model introduced and used throughout this paper.

Ultrasonically Encoded Photoacoustic Flowgraphy in Biological Tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lidai; Xia, Jun; Yao, Junjie; Maslov, Konstantin I.; Wang, Lihong V.

2013-11-01

Blood flow speed is an important functional parameter. Doppler ultrasound flowmetry lacks sufficient sensitivity to slow blood flow (several to tens of millimeters per second) in deep tissue. To address this challenge, we developed ultrasonically encoded photoacoustic flowgraphy combining ultrasonic thermal tagging with photoacoustic imaging. Focused ultrasound generates a confined heat source in acoustically absorptive fluid. Thermal waves propagate with the flow and are directly visualized in pseudo color using photoacoustic computed tomography. The Doppler shift is employed to calculate the flow speed. This method requires only acoustic and optical absorption, and thus is applicable to continuous fluid. A blood flow speed as low as 0.24mm·s-1 was successfully measured. Deep blood flow imaging was experimentally demonstrated under 5-mm-thick chicken breast tissue.

Experimental and simulated ultrasonic characterization of complex damage in fused silica.

PubMed

Martin, L Peter; Chambers, David H; Thomas, Graham H

2002-02-01

The growth of a laser-induced, surface damage site in a fused silica window was monitored by the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique. The laser damage was grown using 12-ns pulses of 1.053-microm wavelength light at a fluence of approximately 27 J/cm2. The ultrasonic data were acquired after each pulse of the laser beam for 19 pulses. In addition, optical images of the surface and subsurface damage shape were recorded after each pulse of the laser. The ultrasonic signal amplitude exhibited variations with the damage size, which were attributed to the subsurface morphology of the damage site. A mechanism for the observed ultrasonic data based on the interaction of the ultrasound with cracks radiating from the damage site was tested using two-dimensional numerical simulations. The simulated results exhibit qualitatively similar characteristics to the experimental data and demonstrate the usefulness of numerical simulation as an aid for ultrasonic signal interpretation. The observed sensitivity to subsurface morphology makes the ultrasonic methodology a promising tool for monitoring laser damage in large aperture laser optics used in fusion energy research.

Noncontact Acousto-Ultrasonics for Material Characterization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kautz, Harold E.

1998-01-01

A NdYAG 1064 nm, laser pulse was employed to produce ultrasonic waves in specimens of SiC/SiC and SiC/Ti 6-4 composites which are high temperature materials of interest for aerospace applications. Air coupled transducers were used to detect and collect the signals used for acousto-ultrasonic analysis. Conditions for detecting ultrasonic decay signals were examined. The results were compared to those determined on the same specimens with contact coupling. Some non-contact measurements were made employing conventional air focused detectors. Others were performed with a more novel micromachined capacitance transducer. Concerns of the laser-in technology include potential destructiveness of the laser pulse. Repeated laser pulsing at the same location does lead to deterioration of the ultrasonic signal in some materials, but seems to recover with time. Also, unlike contact AU, the frequency regime employed is a function of laser-material interaction rather than the choice of transducers. Concerns of the air coupled-out technology include the effect of air attenuation. This imposes a practical upper limit to frequency of detection. In the case of the experimental specimens studied ultrasonic decay signals could be imaged satisfactorily.

Assessment of early placental development in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) using colour and pulsed wave Doppler sonography.

PubMed

Nimrod, C; Simpson, N; Hafner, T; de Vermette, R; Fournier, J; Coady, L; Baccanale, C

1996-04-01

Colour flow mapping and pulsed wave Doppler were used to assess the process of placental growth and development in the cynomolgus monkey from 32 to 71 days gestational age. Fetal and maternal vessels were reliably visualised and insonated. Accurate longitudinal non-invasive assessment of placentation is possible using this technique.

L wave in echo Doppler.

PubMed

Kumar, Vipin; Jose, John; Jose, V Jacob

2014-01-01

62-year-old female presented with progressive dyspnea NYHA class III for six months. Echocardiography showed normal left ventricular (LV) systolic function, mild biatrial enlargement, an L wave in pulse wave Doppler at mitral inflow and in M mode echocardiography across mitral valve. Tissue Doppler imaging at medial mitral annulus showed an L' wave in mid diastole in addition to E' and A' wave. An L wave in pulse wave Doppler and M mode echocardiography represents continued pulmonary vein mid diastolic flow through the left atrium in to LV across mitral valve after early rapid filling. Presence of an L' wave in these patients associated with higher E/E' is indicative of advance diastolic dysfunction with elevated filling pressures. Copyright © 2014 Cardiological Society of India. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Airborne Wind Profiling Algorithms for the Pulsed 2-Micron Coherent Doppler Lidar at NASA Langley Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beyon, Jeffrey Y.; Koch, Grady J.; Kavaya, Michael J.; Ray, Taylor J.

2013-01-01

Two versions of airborne wind profiling algorithms for the pulsed 2-micron coherent Doppler lidar system at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia are presented. Each algorithm utilizes different number of line-of-sight (LOS) lidar returns while compensating the adverse effects of different coordinate systems between the aircraft and the Earth. One of the two algorithms APOLO (Airborne Wind Profiling Algorithm for Doppler Wind Lidar) estimates wind products using two LOSs. The other algorithm utilizes five LOSs. The airborne lidar data were acquired during the NASA's Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) campaign in 2010. The wind profile products from the two algorithms are compared with the dropsonde data to validate their results.

Control of hydrodynamic cavitation using ultrasonic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatterjee, Dhiman; Arakeri, Vijay H.

2003-11-01

Hydrodynamic cavitation is known to have many harmful effects like surface damage and generation of noise. We investigated the use of ultrasonics to control traveling bubble cavitation. Ultrasonic pressure field, produced by a piezoelectric crystal, was applied to modify the nuclei size distribution. Effects of continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed excitations were studied. At low dissolved gas content the CW-mode performed better than the pulsed one, whereas for high gas content the pulsed one was more effective. The dominant mechanisms were Bjerknes force and rectified diffusion in these two cases. Simultaneous excitation by two crystals in CW and pulsed modes was seen to control cavitation better.

Wind Profiling from a High Energy, Pulsed, 2-Micron, Coherent-Detection Doppler Lidar during Field Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, U. N.; Koch, G. J.; Kavaya, M. J.; Yu, J.; Beyon, J. Y.; Demoz, B.

2009-12-01

NASA Langley Research Center has a long history of developing 2-micron laser transmitter for wind sensing. With support from NASA Laser Risk Reduction Program (LRRP) and Instrument Incubator Program (IIP), NASA Langley Research Center has developed a state-of-the-art compact lidar transceiver for a pulsed coherent Doppler lidar system for wind measurement. The transmitter portion of the transceiver employs the high-pulse-energy, Ho:Tm:LuLiF, partially conductively cooled laser technology developed at NASA Langley. The transceiver is capable of 250 mJ pulses at 10 Hz. It is very similar to the technology envisioned for coherent Doppler lidar wind measurements from Earth and Mars orbit. The transceiver is coupled to the large optics and data acquisition system in the NASA Langley VALIDAR mobile trailer. The large optics consists of a 15-cm off-axis beam expanding telescope, and a full-hemispheric scanner. Vertical and horizontal vector winds are measured, as well as relative backscatter. The data acquisition system employs frequency domain velocity estimation and pulse accumulation. It permits real-time display of the processed winds and archival of all data. The LaRC mobile lidar was deployed at Howard University facility in Beltsville, Maryland as part of NASA HQ funded (ROSES-2007, Wind Lidar Science Proposal entitled “Intercomparison of Multiple Lidars for Wind Measurements). During the campaign, testing of the lidar was combined with a field campaign to operate a 2-μm coherent lidar alongside a 355-nm direct detection lidar to demonstrate the hybrid wind lidar concept. Besides lidar, many other meteorological sensors were located at the campaign site, including wind measuring balloon sondes, sonic and propeller anemometers mounted on a tower, and a 915-MHz radio acoustic sounding system. Comparisons among these wind measurement sensors are currently being analyzed and should be available for presentation at the Conference.

[Destruction of synovial pannus of antigen-induced arthritis by ultrasonic cavitation in rabbits].

PubMed

Zhang, Ling-yan; Qiu, Li; Wang, Lei; Lin, Ling; Wen, Xiao-rong

2011-11-01

To optimize the conditions of ultrasonic irradiation and microbubble of ultrasound cavitation on destruction of synovial pannus of antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) in rabbits. Antigen-induced arthritis was successfully induced on bilateral knee joints of 85 rabbits. Each 10 AIA rabbits were divided into two groups to compare various peak negative pressures, different ultrasonic pulse durations, various pulse repetition frequencies, different irradiance duration, different dosages of microbubble contrast agents, different ultrasonic irradiance times. With intravenous infusion of Sonovue to the rabbits, ultrasonic irradiance was performed on the right knee joint using the above condition of ultrasound cavitation. At the day 1 after ultrasonic irradiance, MRI and pathological examination were employed to evaluate the optimal conditions. The optimal parameters and conditions for ultrasonic irradiance included intermittent ultrasonic application (in 6 s intervals), 0.6 mL/kg of microbubble contrast agent, 4.6 MPa of ultrasonic peak negative pressure, 100 cycles of pulse duration, 50 Hz of pulse repetition frequency, 5 min of ultrasonic duration, 0.6 mL/kg of dosages of microbubble contrast agents and multi-sessional ultrasonic irradiance. After the ultrasonic irradiance, the thickness of right knee synovium measured by MRI was thinner than that of left knee and synovial necrosis was confirmed by the pathological finding. Under optimal ultrasonic irradiation and microbubble conditions, ultrasonic cavitation could destroy synovial pannus of AIA in rabbits.

Absolute calibration technique for broadband ultrasonic transducers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yost, William T. (Inventor); Cantrell, John H. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

Calibrating an ultrasonic transducer can be performed with a reduced number of calculations and testing. A wide-band pulser is connected to an ultrasonic transducer under test to generate ultrasonic waves in a liquid. A single frequency is transmitted to the electrostatic acoustic transducer (ESAT) and the voltage change produced is monitored. Then a broadband ultrasonic pulse is generated by the ultrasonic transducer and received by the ESAT. The output of the ESAT is amplified and input to a digitized oscilloscope for fast Fourier transform. The resulting plot is normalized with the monitored signal from the single frequency pulse. The plot is then corrected for characteristics of the membrane and diffraction effects. The transfer function of the final plot is determined. The transfer function gives the final sensitivity of the ultrasonic transducer as a function of frequency. The advantage of the system is the speed of calibrating the transducer by a reduced number of measurements and removal of the membrane and diffraction effects.

Assessment and Calibration of a Crimp Tool Equipped with Ultrasonic Analysis Features

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yost, William T. (Inventor); Perey, Daniel F. (Inventor); Cramer, K. Elliott (Inventor)

2013-01-01

A method is provided for calibrating ultrasonic signals passed through a crimp formed with respect to a deformable body via an ultrasonically-equipped crimp tool (UECT). The UECT verifies a crimp quality using the ultrasonic signals. The method includes forming the crimp, transmitting a first signal, e.g., a pulse, to a first transducer of the UECT, and converting the first signal, using the first transducer, into a second signal which defines an ultrasonic pulse. This pulse is transmitted through the UECT into the crimp. A second transducer converts the second signal into a third signal, which may be further conditioned, and the ultrasonic signals are calibrated using the third signal or its conditioned variant. An apparatus for calibrating the ultrasonic signals includes a pulse module (PM) electrically connected to the first and second transducers, and an oscilloscope or display electrically connected to the PM for analyzing an electrical output signal therefrom.

Ground-echo characteristics for a ground-target pulse-Doppler radar fuze of high duty ratio

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williams, C.S.

1973-11-21

From Tri-service electronic fuse symposium; Washington, District of Columbia, USA (26 Nov 1973). A pulse-Doppler radar fuze for use against ground targets at high burst heights can operate at low peak power provided a high duty ratio is used. The high duty ratio brings about ambiguous ground return that is prevented from firing the fuze by randomly coding the phase of the transmitted pulses. This causes the ambiguous return to appear as random noise. This paper provides formulas for the calculation of the clutter-noise power density and of the signal power so that the performance of the radar can bemore » determined. The paper also discusses the myth of decorrelation'' that is alleged to destroy the transmittedphase modulation in the echo and so make it useless. (auth)« less

Airborne Wind Profiling With the Data Acquisition and Processing System for a Pulsed 2-Micron Coherent Doppler Lidar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beyon, Jeffrey Y.; Koch, Grady J.; Kavaya, Michael J.

2012-01-01

A pulsed 2-micron coherent Doppler lidar system at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia flew on the NASA's DC-8 aircraft during the NASA Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) during the summer of 2010. The participation was part of the project Doppler Aerosol Wind Lidar (DAWN) Air. Selected results of airborne wind profiling are presented and compared with the dropsonde data for verification purposes. Panoramic presentations of different wind parameters over a nominal observation time span are also presented for selected GRIP data sets. The realtime data acquisition and analysis software that was employed during the GRIP campaign is introduced with its unique features.

Quasisubharmonic vibrations in metal plates excited by high-power ultrasonic pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhao-jiang; Zhang, Shu-yi; Zheng, Kai; Kuo, Pao-kuang

2009-07-01

Strongly nonlinear vibration phenomena in metal plates excited by high-power ultrasonic pulses in different conditions are studied experimentally and theoretically. The experimental conditions for generating quasisubharmonics and subharmonics are found and discussed. The plate vibrations are characterized by waveforms, frequency spectra, pseudostate portraits, and Poincaré maps. Then, a three-degree-of-freedom vibroimpact-dynamic model is presented to explore the generation mechanisms of the quasisubharmonic and subharmonic vibrations in the plates. According to the model, the intermittent contact-impact forces caused by the interactions between the transducer horn tip and the plate are considered as the main source for generating the complex nonlinear vibration in the plate. The numerical calculation results can explain reasonably the observed experimental phenomena.

The Dynamic Performance of Flexural Ultrasonic Transducers.

PubMed

Feeney, Andrew; Kang, Lei; Rowlands, George; Dixon, Steve

2018-01-18

Flexural ultrasonic transducers are principally used as proximity sensors and for industrial metrology. Their operation relies on a piezoelectric ceramic to generate a flexing of a metallic membrane, which delivers the ultrasound signal. The performance of flexural ultrasonic transducers has been largely limited to excitation through a short voltage burst signal at a designated mechanical resonance frequency. However, a steady-state amplitude response is not generated instantaneously in a flexural ultrasonic transducer from a drive excitation signal, and differences in the drive characteristics between transmitting and receiving transducers can affect the measured response. This research investigates the dynamic performance of flexural ultrasonic transducers using acoustic microphone measurements and laser Doppler vibrometry, supported by a detailed mechanical analog model, in a process which has not before been applied to the flexural ultrasonic transducer. These techniques are employed to gain insights into the physics of their vibration behaviour, vital for the optimisation of industrial ultrasound systems.

The Dynamic Performance of Flexural Ultrasonic Transducers

PubMed Central

Kang, Lei; Rowlands, George; Dixon, Steve

2018-01-01

Flexural ultrasonic transducers are principally used as proximity sensors and for industrial metrology. Their operation relies on a piezoelectric ceramic to generate a flexing of a metallic membrane, which delivers the ultrasound signal. The performance of flexural ultrasonic transducers has been largely limited to excitation through a short voltage burst signal at a designated mechanical resonance frequency. However, a steady-state amplitude response is not generated instantaneously in a flexural ultrasonic transducer from a drive excitation signal, and differences in the drive characteristics between transmitting and receiving transducers can affect the measured response. This research investigates the dynamic performance of flexural ultrasonic transducers using acoustic microphone measurements and laser Doppler vibrometry, supported by a detailed mechanical analog model, in a process which has not before been applied to the flexural ultrasonic transducer. These techniques are employed to gain insights into the physics of their vibration behaviour, vital for the optimisation of industrial ultrasound systems. PMID:29346297

Power Doppler sonography and pulse-inversion harmonic imaging in evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis synovitis.

PubMed

Schueller-Weidekamm, Claudia; Krestan, Christian; Schueller, Gerd; Kapral, Theresa; Aletaha, Daniel; Kainberger, Franz

2007-02-01

This study evaluates the value of contrast-enhanced pulse-inversion harmonic imaging (PIHI) to detect synovial vascularization and thus the therapeutic effects of prednisolone treatment on the inflammation in finger joints in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Before and after 7 days of mid- to high-dose steroid therapy, blood tests and clinical and sonographic examinations were assessed in 14 patients. Two hundred eighty finger joints (metacarpophalangeal [MCP] I-V, interphalangeal [IP], and proximal interphalangeal [PIP] II-V) were investigated on power Doppler sonography to determine, in each patient, the finger joint with the strongest hypervascularization and to score the synovial vascularization. Further dynamic examination of the selected joint was performed on PIHI after i.v. administration of a second-generation sonographic contrast medium. Vascularization was quantified by calculating the area under the time-intensity curves. The changes in signal intensities before and after therapy were correlated with clinical examinations (disease activity score [DAS]). The score of the joint with the strongest hypervascularization assessed by power Doppler sonography decreased significantly from 1.7 to 1.3 (p < 0.01); however, in six patients, no change was assessed after steroid therapy. In all patients, a significant reduction in PIHI signals was observed after therapy (p < 0.05). The baseline and follow-up median values of the area under the time-intensity curves were 8.56 +/- 1.28 and 7.65 +/- 0.66, respectively. The median values of the DAS decreased significantly from 4.90 +/- 0.86 to 3.6 +/- 1.0 (p < 0.01) 7 days after the steroid therapy. PIHI and power Doppler sonography enable the detection of synovial perfusion alterations after steroid therapy and, therefore, may be useful tools for the evaluation of active inflammation in RA and for the assessment of therapeutic response. However, minor changes of synovial vascularization can be better detected on PIHI than on

Prediction of ultrasonic properties from grain angle

Treesearch

M.F. Kabir

2001-01-01

The ultrasonic properties of rubber wood were evaluated in three main symmetry axes – longitudinal (L), radial (R) and tangential direction and also at an angle rotating from the symmetry axes at different moisture content. The ultrasonic velocity were determined with a commercial ultrasonic tester of 45 kHz pulsed longitudinal waves. The experimental results were...

Data Acquisition and Processing System for Airborne Wind Profiling with a Pulsed, 2-Micron, Coherent-Detection, Doppler Lidar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beyon, J. Y.; Koch, G. J.; Kavaya, M. J.

2010-01-01

A data acquisition and signal processing system is being developed for a 2-micron airborne wind profiling coherent Doppler lidar system. This lidar, called the Doppler Aerosol Wind Lidar (DAWN), is based on a Ho:Tm:LuLiF laser transmitter and 15-cm diameter telescope. It is being packaged for flights onboard the NASA DC-8, with the first flights in the summer of 2010 in support of the NASA Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) campaign for the study of hurricanes. The data acquisition and processing system is housed in a compact PCI chassis and consists of four components such as a digitizer, a digital signal processing (DSP) module, a video controller, and a serial port controller. The data acquisition and processing software (DAPS) is also being developed to control the system including real-time data analysis and display. The system detects an external 10 Hz trigger pulse and initiates the data acquisition and processing process, and displays selected wind profile parameters such as Doppler shift, power distribution, wind directions and velocities. Doppler shift created by aircraft motion is measured by an inertial navigation/GPS sensor and fed to the signal processing system for real-time removal of aircraft effects from wind measurements. A general overview of the system and the DAPS as well as the coherent Doppler lidar system is presented in this paper.

Laboratory ultrasonic pulse velocity logging for determination of elastic properties from rock core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blacklock, Natalie Erin

During the development of deep underground excavations spalling and rockbursting have been recognized as significant mechanisms of violent brittle failure. In order to predict whether violent brittle failure will occur, it is important to identify the location of stiffness transitions that are associated with geologic structure. One approach to identify the effect of geologic structures is to apply borehole geophysical tools ahead of the tunnel advance. Stiffness transitions can be identified using mechanical property analysis surveys that combine acoustic velocity and density data to calculate acoustic estimates of elastic moduli. However, logistical concerns arise since the approach must be conducted at the advancing tunnel face. As a result, borehole mechanical property analyses are rarely used. Within this context, laboratory ultrasonic pulse velocity testing has been proposed as a potential alternative to borehole mechanical property analysis since moving the analysis to the laboratory would remove logistical constraints and improve safety for the evaluators. In addition to the traditional method of conducting velocity testing along the core axis, two new methodologies for point-focused testing were developed across the core diameter, and indirectly along intact lengths of drill core. The indirect test procedure was implemented in a continuous ultrasonic velocity test program along 573m of drill core to identify key geologic structures that generated transitions in ultrasonic elastic moduli. The test program was successful at identifying the location of geologic contacts, igneous intrusions, faults and shear structures. Ultrasonic values of Young's modulus and bulk modulus were determined at locations of significant velocity transitions to examine the potential for energy storage and energy release. Comparison of results from different ultrasonic velocity test configurations determined that the indirect test configuration provided underestimates for values of

Laser Doppler technology applied to atmospheric environmental operating problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weaver, E. A.; Bilbro, J. W.; Dunkin, J. A.; Jeffreys, H. B.

1976-01-01

Carbon dioxide laser Doppler ground wind data were very favorably compared with data from standard anemometers. As a result of these measurements, two breadboard systems were developed for taking research data: a continuous wave velocimeter and a pulsed Doppler system. The scanning continuous wave laser Doppler velocimeter developed for detecting, tracking and measuring aircraft wake vortices was successfully tested at an airport where it located vortices to an accuracy of 3 meters at a range of 150 meters. The airborne pulsed laser Doppler system was developed to detect and measure clear air turbulence (CAT). This system was tested aboard an aircraft, but jet stream CAT was not encountered. However, low altitude turbulence in cumulus clouds near a mountain range was detected by the system and encountered by the aircraft at the predicted time.

Pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of hepatic vein in dogs with tricuspid regurgitation

PubMed Central

Kim, Jaehwan; Kim, Soyoung

2017-01-01

This study was performed to identify the relationships between hepatic vein (HV) measurements, including flow velocity and waveform, using pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler ultrasonography, and the severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in dogs. The study included 22 dogs with TR and 7 healthy dogs. The TR group was subdivided into 3 groups according to TR jet profile obtained by echocardiography. The hepatic venous waveform was obtained and classified into 3 types. A variety of HV measurements, including the maximal velocities of the atrial systolic, systolic (S), end ventricular systolic, and diastolic (D) waves and the ratio of the S- and D- wave velocities (S/D ratio), were acquired. TR severity was significantly correlated with the S- (r = −0.380, p = 0.042) and D- (r = 0.468, p = 0.011) wave velocities and the S/D ratio (r = −0.747, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed the highest sensitivity and specificity for the S/D ratio (89% and 75%, respectively) at a threshold of 0.97 with excellent accuracy (AUC = 0.911, p < 0.001). In conclusion, PW Doppler ultrasonography of the HV can be used to identify the presence of significant TR and to classify TR severity in dogs. PMID:27515264

Pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of hepatic vein in dogs with tricuspid regurgitation.

PubMed

Kim, Jaehwan; Kim, Soyoung; Eom, Kidong

2017-03-30

This study was performed to identify the relationships between hepatic vein (HV) measurements, including flow velocity and waveform, using pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler ultrasonography, and the severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in dogs. The study included 22 dogs with TR and 7 healthy dogs. The TR group was subdivided into 3 groups according to TR jet profile obtained by echocardiography. The hepatic venous waveform was obtained and classified into 3 types. A variety of HV measurements, including the maximal velocities of the atrial systolic, systolic (S), end ventricular systolic, and diastolic (D) waves and the ratio of the S- and D- wave velocities (S/D ratio), were acquired. TR severity was significantly correlated with the S- ( r = -0.380, p = 0.042) and D- ( r = 0.468, p = 0.011) wave velocities and the S/D ratio ( r = -0.747, p ＜ 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed the highest sensitivity and specificity for the S/D ratio (89% and 75%, respectively) at a threshold of 0.97 with excellent accuracy (AUC = 0.911, p ＜ 0.001). In conclusion, PW Doppler ultrasonography of the HV can be used to identify the presence of significant TR and to classify TR severity in dogs.

Ultrasonic control of ceramic membrane fouling by particles: effect of ultrasonic factors.

PubMed

Chen, Dong; Weavers, Linda K; Walker, Harold W

2006-07-01

Ultrasound at 20 kHz was applied to a cross-flow ultrafiltration system with gamma-alumina membranes in the presence of colloidal silica particles to systematically investigate how ultrasonic factors affect membrane cleaning. Based on imaging of the ultrasonic cavitation region, optimal cleaning occurred when the membrane was outside but close to the cavitation region. Increasing the filtration pressure increased the compressive forces driving cavitation collapse and resulted in fewer cavitation bubbles absorbing and scattering sound waves and increasing sound wave penetration. However, an increased filtration pressure also resulted in greater permeation drag, and subsequently less improvement in permeate flux compared to low filtration pressure. Finally, pulsed ultrasound with short pulse intervals resulted in permeate flux improvement close to that of continuous sonication.

Deep sub-wavelength ultrasonic imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amireddy, Kiran Kumar; Balasubramaniam, Krishnan; Rajagopal, Prabhu

2018-04-01

There is much interest in improving the resolution of ultrasonic inspection, which suffers from large wavelengths typically in the range of millimeters, due to low value of speed of sound in solid media. The authors are interested in achieving this through holey structured metamaterial lenses, and have recently demonstrated an experimental subwavelength resolution of λ/25. However the previous work was in through-transmission mode with reception using Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV), which may not be suitable for practical applications. This paper discusses the use of optimized holey structured metalens to achieve a deep sub-wavelength imaging up to λ/18 in through-transmission mode, but using commercially available piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers for both generation and reception of ultrasound.

Detecting Subclinical Biventricular Impairment in Scleroderma Patients by Use of Pulsed-Wave Tissue Doppler Imaging

PubMed Central

Can, Ilknur; Onat, Ahmet Mesut; Aytemir, Kudret; Akdogan, Ali; Ureten, Kemal; Kiraz, Sedat; Ertenli, Ihsan; Tokgozoglu, Lale; Oto, Ali

2009-01-01

Systemic scleroderma is a disease that is characterized by excessive fibroblastic activity and collagen deposition in various organs, including the heart. We sought to evaluate the limits of biventricular function as derived noninvasively from pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) of tricuspid and mitral annular motion in patients who had scleroderma. We enrolled 24 patients with scleroderma (study group; mean age, 49 ± 11 yr; 20 women) and 24 healthy participants (control group; mean age, 51 ± 9 yr; 19 women). Persons with cardiovascular risk factors were excluded. We obtained images by conventional echocardiography and by pulsed-wave TDI, measuring the respective peak systolic velocities (S, Sm) and peak early (E, Em) and late (A, Am) diastolic velocities. Mean Sm, mean Em, and mean Am were averages of the 4 measured sites (anterior, inferior, lateral, and septal). We calculated noninvasive estimates of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure by dividing E velocities (from the mitral inflow) by Em velocities (E/Em ratios). Biventricular regional Sm, regional LV myocardial Em, and ratios of myocardial Em/atrial component velocity (Em/Am) for the LV, and mean Sm, mean Em, and mean Em/mean Am ratios for the LV were significantly lower in the study group. The E/Em ratio was higher in the study group (7.3 ± 2.6 vs 5.2 ± 1.0, P = 0.01). Global LV systolic and diastolic function did not differ between the groups. Tissue Doppler imaging complements conventional echocardiography in detecting subclinical biventricular impairment in patients with scleroderma who have normal global measurements. PMID:19436783

Airborne ultrasonic inspection in carbon/carbon composite materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, In-Young; Kim, Young-Hun; Park, Je-Woong; Hsu, David K.; Song, Song-Jin; Cho, Hyun-Jun; Kim, Sun-Kyu; Im, Kwang-Hee

2007-07-01

In this work, a carbon/carbon (C/C) composite material was nondestructively characterized with non-contact ultrasonic methods using automated acquisition scanner as well as contact ultrasonic measurement because (C/C) composite materials have obvious high price over conventional materials. Because of permeation of coupling medium such as water, it is desirable to perform contact-less nondestructive evaluation to assess material properties and part homogeneity. Also through transmission mode was performed because of the main limitation for air-coupled transducers, which is the acoustic impedance mismatch between most materials and air. Especially ultrasonic images and velocities for C/C composite disk brake was measured and found to be consistent to some degree with the non-contact and contact ultrasonic measurement methods. Low frequency through-transmission scans based on both amplitude and time-of-flight of the ultrasonic pulse were used for mapping out the material property inhomogeneity. Measured results were compared with those obtained by the motorized system with using dry-coupling ultrasonics and through transmission method in immersion. Finally, results using a proposed peak-delay measurement method well corresponded to ultrasonic velocities of the pulse overlap method.

Application of wavelet filtering and Barker-coded pulse compression hybrid method to air-coupled ultrasonic testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Zhenggan; Ma, Baoquan; Jiang, Jingtao; Yu, Guang; Liu, Kui; Zhang, Dongmei; Liu, Weiping

2014-10-01

Air-coupled ultrasonic testing (ACUT) technique has been viewed as a viable solution in defect detection of advanced composites used in aerospace and aviation industries. However, the giant mismatch of acoustic impedance in air-solid interface makes the transmission efficiency of ultrasound low, and leads to poor signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio of received signal. The utilisation of signal-processing techniques in non-destructive testing is highly appreciated. This paper presents a wavelet filtering and phase-coded pulse compression hybrid method to improve the SNR and output power of received signal. The wavelet transform is utilised to filter insignificant components from noisy ultrasonic signal, and pulse compression process is used to improve the power of correlated signal based on cross-correction algorithm. For the purpose of reasonable parameter selection, different families of wavelets (Daubechies, Symlet and Coiflet) and decomposition level in discrete wavelet transform are analysed, different Barker codes (5-13 bits) are also analysed to acquire higher main-to-side lobe ratio. The performance of the hybrid method was verified in a honeycomb composite sample. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method is very efficient in improving the SNR and signal strength. The applicability of the proposed method seems to be a very promising tool to evaluate the integrity of high ultrasound attenuation composite materials using the ACUT.

Pulse-echo ultrasonic imaging method for eliminating sample thickness variation effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Don J. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A pulse-echo, immersion method for ultrasonic evaluation of a material is discussed. It accounts for and eliminates nonlevelness in the equipment set-up and sample thickness variation effects employs a single transducer, automatic scanning and digital imaging to obtain an image of a property of the material, such as pore fraction. The nonlevelness and thickness variation effects are accounted for by pre-scan adjusments of the time window to insure that the echoes received at each scan point are gated in the center of the window. This information is input into the scan file so that, during the automatic scanning for the material evaluation, each received echo is centered in its time window. A cross-correlation function calculates the velocity at each scan point, which is then proportionalized to a color or grey scale and displayed on a video screen.

Pulse-Echo Ultrasonic Imaging Method for Eliminating Sample Thickness Variation Effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Don J. (Inventor)

1997-01-01

A pulse-echo, immersion method for ultrasonic evaluation of a material which accounts for and eliminates nonlevelness in the equipment set-up and sample thickness variation effects employs a single transducer and automatic scanning and digital imaging to obtain an image of a property of the material, such as pore fraction. The nonlevelness and thickness variation effects are accounted for by pre-scan adjustments of the time window to insure that the echoes received at each scan point are gated in the center of the window. This information is input into the scan file so that, during the automatic scanning for the material evaluation, each received echo is centered in its time window. A cross-correlation function calculates the velocity at each scan point, which is then proportionalized to a color or grey scale and displayed on a video screen.

Highly sensitive simple homodyne phase detector for ultrasonic pulse-echo measurements

DOE PAGES

Grossman, John; Suslov, Alexey V.; Yong, Grace; ...

2016-04-07

Progress in microelectronic technology has allowed us to design and develop a simple but, professional quality instrument for ultrasonic pulse-echo probing of the elastic properties of materials. The heart of this interfer- ometer lies in the AD8302 microchip, a gain and phase detector from Analog Devices, Inc. The interferometer was tested by measuring the temperature dependences of the ultrasound speed and attenuation in a ferro- electric KTa 0.92 Nb 0.08O 3 (KTN) crystal at a frequency of about 40 MHz. These tests demonstrated that our instrument is capable of detecting the relative changes in the sound speed v on themore » level of Δv/v ~ 10 –7. In addition, the ultrasound attenuation revealed new features in the development of the low-temperature structure of the ferroelectric KTN crystal.« less

Current Perspectives in Hyperbaric Physiology, Ultrasonic Doppler Bubble Detection, and Mass Spectrometry,

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-12-28

Doppler sound made by a bubble passing through the inson- ified volume blood vessel resembles a very sharp truncated whistle , chirp or click depending...the Doppler ultrasound , suffered the "slings and arrows of outrageous criticism" to borrow and beat a phrase. It is not appropriate to go into this

Ultrasound Pulsed-Wave Doppler Detects an Intrathecal Location of an Epidural Catheter Tip: A Case Report.

PubMed

Elsharkawy, Hesham; Saasouh, Wael; Patel, Bimal; Babazade, Rovnat

2018-04-01

Currently, no gold standard method exists for localization of an epidural catheter after placement. The technique described in this report uses pulsed-wave Doppler (PWD) ultrasound to identify intrathecal location of an epidural catheter. A thoracic epidural catheter was inserted after multiple trials with inconclusive aspiration and test dose. Ultrasound PWD confirmed no flow in the epidural space and positive flow in the intrathecal space. A fluid aspirate was positive for glucose, reconfirming intrathecal placement. PWD is a potential tool that can be used to locate the tip of an epidural catheter.

Superharmonic microbubble Doppler effect in ultrasound therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pouliopoulos, Antonios N.; Choi, James J.

2016-08-01

The introduction of microbubbles in focused ultrasound therapies has enabled a diverse range of non-invasive technologies: sonoporation to deliver drugs into cells, sonothrombolysis to dissolve blood clots, and blood-brain barrier opening to deliver drugs into the brain. Current methods for passively monitoring the microbubble dynamics responsible for these therapeutic effects can identify the cavitation position by passive acoustic mapping and cavitation mode by spectral analysis. Here, we introduce a new feature that can be monitored: microbubble effective velocity. Previous studies have shown that echoes from short imaging pulses had a Doppler shift that was produced by the movement of microbubbles. Therapeutic pulses are longer (>1 000 cycles) and thus produce a larger alteration of microbubble distribution due to primary and secondary acoustic radiation force effects which cannot be monitored using pulse-echo techniques. In our experiments, we captured and analyzed the Doppler shift during long therapeutic pulses using a passive cavitation detector. A population of microbubbles (5  ×  104-5  ×  107 microbubbles ml-1) was embedded in a vessel (inner diameter: 4 mm) and sonicated using a 0.5 MHz focused ultrasound transducer (peak-rarefactional pressure: 75-366 kPa, pulse length: 50 000 cycles or 100 ms) within a water tank. Microbubble acoustic emissions were captured with a coaxially aligned 7.5 MHz passive cavitation detector and spectrally analyzed to measure the Doppler shift for multiple harmonics above the 10th harmonic (i.e. superharmonics). A Doppler shift was observed on the order of tens of kHz with respect to the primary superharmonic peak and is due to the axial movement of the microbubbles. The position, amplitude and width of the Doppler peaks depended on the acoustic pressure and the microbubble concentration. Higher pressures increased the effective velocity of the microbubbles up to 3 m s-1, prior to the onset of

Superharmonic microbubble Doppler effect in ultrasound therapy

PubMed Central

Pouliopoulos, Antonios N; Choi, James J

2016-01-01

Abstract The introduction of microbubbles in focused ultrasound therapies has enabled a diverse range of non-invasive technologies: sonoporation to deliver drugs into cells, sonothrombolysis to dissolve blood clots, and blood-brain barrier opening to deliver drugs into the brain. Current methods for passively monitoring the microbubble dynamics responsible for these therapeutic effects can identify the cavitation position by passive acoustic mapping and cavitation mode by spectral analysis. Here, we introduce a new feature that can be monitored: microbubble effective velocity. Previous studies have shown that echoes from short imaging pulses had a Doppler shift that was produced by the movement of microbubbles. Therapeutic pulses are longer (>1 000 cycles) and thus produce a larger alteration of microbubble distribution due to primary and secondary acoustic radiation force effects which cannot be monitored using pulse-echo techniques. In our experiments, we captured and analyzed the Doppler shift during long therapeutic pulses using a passive cavitation detector. A population of microbubbles (5  ×  104–5  ×  107 microbubbles ml−1) was embedded in a vessel (inner diameter: 4 mm) and sonicated using a 0.5 MHz focused ultrasound transducer (peak-rarefactional pressure: 75–366 kPa, pulse length: 50 000 cycles or 100 ms) within a water tank. Microbubble acoustic emissions were captured with a coaxially aligned 7.5 MHz passive cavitation detector and spectrally analyzed to measure the Doppler shift for multiple harmonics above the 10th harmonic (i.e. superharmonics). A Doppler shift was observed on the order of tens of kHz with respect to the primary superharmonic peak and is due to the axial movement of the microbubbles. The position, amplitude and width of the Doppler peaks depended on the acoustic pressure and the microbubble concentration. Higher pressures increased the effective velocity of the microbubbles up to 3 m s−1, prior to

Interactive signal analysis and ultrasonic data collection system user's manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, G. R.

1978-01-01

The interactive signal analysis and ultrasonic data collection system (ECHO1) is a real time data acquisition and display system. ECHO1 executed on a PDP-11/45 computer under the RT11 real time operating system. Extensive operator interaction provided the requisite parameters to the data collection, calculation, and data modules. Data were acquired in real time from a pulse echo ultrasonic system using a Biomation Model 8100 transient recorder. The data consisted of 2084 intensity values representing the amplitude of pulses transmitted and received by the ultrasonic unit.

Time-resolved flowmetering of gas-liquid two-phase pipe flow by ultrasound pulse Doppler method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murai, Yuichi; Tasaka, Yuji; Takeda, Yasushi

2012-03-01

Ultrasound pulse Doppler method is applied for componential volumetric flow rate measurement in multiphase pipe flow consisted of gas and liquid phases. The flowmetering is realized with integration of measured velocity profile over the cross section of the pipe within liquid phase. Spatio-temporal position of interface is detected also with the same ultrasound pulse, which further gives cross sectional void fraction. A series of experimental demonstration was shown by applying this principle of measurement to air-water two-phase flow in a horizontal tube of 40 mm in diameter, of which void fraction ranges from 0 to 90% at superficial velocity from 0 to 15 m/s. The measurement accuracy is verified with a volumetric type flowmeter. We also analyze the accuracy of area integration of liquid velocity distribution for many different patterns of ultrasound measurement lines assigned on the cross section of the tube. The present method is also identified to be pulsation sensor of flow rate that fluctuates with complex gas-liquid interface behavior.

Internet (WWW) based system of ultrasonic image processing tools for remote image analysis.

PubMed

Zeng, Hong; Fei, Ding-Yu; Fu, Cai-Ting; Kraft, Kenneth A

2003-07-01

Ultrasonic Doppler color imaging can provide anatomic information and simultaneously render flow information within blood vessels for diagnostic purpose. Many researchers are currently developing ultrasound image processing algorithms in order to provide physicians with accurate clinical parameters from the images. Because researchers use a variety of computer languages and work on different computer platforms to implement their algorithms, it is difficult for other researchers and physicians to access those programs. A system has been developed using World Wide Web (WWW) technologies and HTTP communication protocols to publish our ultrasonic Angle Independent Doppler Color Image (AIDCI) processing algorithm and several general measurement tools on the Internet, where authorized researchers and physicians can easily access the program using web browsers to carry out remote analysis of their local ultrasonic images or images provided from the database. In order to overcome potential incompatibility between programs and users' computer platforms, ActiveX technology was used in this project. The technique developed may also be used for other research fields.

Applications of Doppler ultrasound in clinical vascular disease

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, R. W.; Hokanson, D. E.; Sumner, D. S.; Strandness, D. E., Jr.

1975-01-01

Doppler ultrasound has become the most useful and versatile noninvasive technique for objective evaluation of clinical vascular disease. Commercially available continuous-wave instruments provide qualitative and quantitative assessment of venous and arterial disease. Pulsed Doppler ultrasound was developed to provide longitudinal and transverse cross-sectional images of the arterial lumen with a resolution approaching that of conventional X-ray techniques. Application of Doppler ultrasound in venous, peripheral arterial, and cerebrovascular diseases is reviewed.

Quantitative Gait Measurement With Pulse-Doppler Radar for Passive In-Home Gait Assessment

PubMed Central

Skubic, Marjorie; Rantz, Marilyn; Cuddihy, Paul E.

2014-01-01

In this paper, we propose a pulse-Doppler radar system for in-home gait assessment of older adults. A methodology has been developed to extract gait parameters including walking speed and step time using Doppler radar. The gait parameters have been validated with a Vicon motion capture system in the lab with 13 participants and 158 test runs. The study revealed that for an optimal step recognition and walking speed estimation, a dual radar set up with one radar placed at foot level and the other at torso level is necessary. An excellent absolute agreement with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.97 was found for step time estimation with the foot level radar. For walking speed, although both radars show excellent consistency they all have a system offset compared to the ground truth due to walking direction with respect to the radar beam. The torso level radar has a better performance (9% offset on average) in the speed estimation compared to the foot level radar (13%–18% offset). Quantitative analysis has been performed to compute the angles causing the systematic error. These lab results demonstrate the capability of the system to be used as a daily gait assessment tool in home environments, useful for fall risk assessment and other health care applications. The system is currently being tested in an unstructured home environment. PMID:24771566

Quantitative gait measurement with pulse-Doppler radar for passive in-home gait assessment.

PubMed

Wang, Fang; Skubic, Marjorie; Rantz, Marilyn; Cuddihy, Paul E

2014-09-01

In this paper, we propose a pulse-Doppler radar system for in-home gait assessment of older adults. A methodology has been developed to extract gait parameters including walking speed and step time using Doppler radar. The gait parameters have been validated with a Vicon motion capture system in the lab with 13 participants and 158 test runs. The study revealed that for an optimal step recognition and walking speed estimation, a dual radar set up with one radar placed at foot level and the other at torso level is necessary. An excellent absolute agreement with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.97 was found for step time estimation with the foot level radar. For walking speed, although both radars show excellent consistency they all have a system offset compared to the ground truth due to walking direction with respect to the radar beam. The torso level radar has a better performance (9% offset on average) in the speed estimation compared to the foot level radar (13%-18% offset). Quantitative analysis has been performed to compute the angles causing the systematic error. These lab results demonstrate the capability of the system to be used as a daily gait assessment tool in home environments, useful for fall risk assessment and other health care applications. The system is currently being tested in an unstructured home environment.

Subsurface imaging of grain microstructure using picosecond ultrasonics

DOE PAGES

Khafizov, M.; Pakarinen, J.; He, L.; ...

2016-04-21

We report on imaging subsurface grain microstructure using picosecond ultrasonics. This approach relies on elastic anisotropy of crystalline materials where ultrasonic velocity depends on propagation direction relative to the crystal axes. Picosecond duration ultrasonic pulses are generated and detected using ultrashort light pulses. In materials that are transparent or semitransparent to the probe wavelength, the probe monitors GHz Brillouin oscillations. The frequency of these oscillations is related to the ultrasonic velocity and the optical index of refraction. Ultrasonic waves propagating across a grain boundary experience a change in velocity due to a change in crystallographic orientation relative to the ultrasonicmore » propagation direction. This change in velocity is manifested as a change in the Brillouin oscillation frequency. Using the ultrasonic propagation velocity, the depth of the interface can be determined from the location in time of the transition in oscillation frequency. An image of the grain boundary is obtained by scanning the beam along the surface. We demonstrate this volumetric imaging capability using a polycrystalline UO 2 sample. As a result, cross section liftout analysis of the grain boundaries using electron microscopy were used to verify our imaging results.« less

Measurements of ion temperature and flow of pulsed plasmas produced by a magnetized coaxial plasma gun device using an ion Doppler spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitagawa, Y.; Sakuma, I.; Iwamoto, D.; Kikuchi, Y.; Fukumoto, N.; Nagata, M.

2012-10-01

It is important to know surface damage characteristics of plasma-facing component materials during transient heat and particle loads such as type I ELMs. A magnetized coaxial plasma gun (MCPG) device has been used as transient heat and particle source in ELM simulation experiments. Characteristics of pulsed plasmas produced by the MCPG device play an important role for the plasma material interaction. In this study, ion temperature and flow velocity of pulsed He plasmas were measured by an ion Doppler spectrometer (IDS). The IDS system consists of a light collection system including optical fibers, 1m-spectrometer and a 16 channel photomultiplier tube (PMT) detector. The IDS system measures the width and Doppler shift of HeII (468.58 nm) emission line with the time resolution of 1 μs. The Doppler broadened and shifted spectra were measured with 45 and 135 degree angles with respect to the plasmoid traveling direction. The observed emission line profile was represented by sum of two Gaussian components to determine the temperature and flow velocity. The minor component at around the wavelength of zero-velocity was produced by the stationary plasma. As the results, the ion velocity and temperature were 68 km/s and 19 eV, respectively. Thus, the He ion flow energy is 97 eV. The observed flow velocity agrees with that measured by a time of flight technique.

Three-dimensional imaging of biological cells with picosecond ultrasonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danworaphong, Sorasak; Tomoda, Motonobu; Matsumoto, Yuki; Matsuda, Osamu; Ohashi, Toshiro; Watanabe, Hiromu; Nagayama, Masafumi; Gohara, Kazutoshi; Otsuka, Paul H.; Wright, Oliver B.

2015-04-01

We use picosecond ultrasonics to image animal cells in vitro—a bovine aortic endothelial cell and a mouse adipose cell—fixed to Ti-coated sapphire. Tightly focused ultrashort laser pulses generate and detect GHz acoustic pulses, allowing three-dimensional imaging (x, y, and t) of the ultrasonic propagation in the cells with ˜1 μm lateral and ˜150 nm depth resolutions. Time-frequency representations of the continuous-wavelet-transform amplitude of the optical reflectivity variations inside and outside the cells show GHz Brillouin oscillations, allowing the average sound velocities of the cells and their ultrasonic attenuation to be obtained as well as the average bulk moduli.

Ultrasonic evaluation of the physical and mechanical properties of granites.

PubMed

Vasconcelos, G; Lourenço, P B; Alves, C A S; Pamplona, J

2008-09-01

Masonry is the oldest building material that survived until today, being used all over the world and being present in the most impressive historical structures as an evidence of spirit of enterprise of ancient cultures. Conservation, rehabilitation and strengthening of the built heritage and protection of human lives are clear demands of modern societies. In this process, the use of nondestructive methods has become much common in the diagnosis of structural integrity of masonry elements. With respect to the evaluation of the stone condition, the ultrasonic pulse velocity is a simple and economical tool. Thus, the central issue of the present paper concerns the evaluation of the suitability of the ultrasonic pulse velocity method for describing the mechanical and physical properties of granites (range size between 0.1-4.0 mm and 0.3-16.5 mm) and for the assessment of its weathering state. The mechanical properties encompass the compressive and tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, and the physical properties include the density and porosity. For this purpose, measurements of the longitudinal ultrasonic pulse velocity with distinct natural frequency of the transducers were carried out on specimens with different size and shape. A discussion of the factors that induce variations on the ultrasonic velocity is also provided. Additionally, statistical correlations between ultrasonic pulse velocity and mechanical and physical properties of granites are presented and discussed. The major output of the work is the confirmation that ultrasonic pulse velocity can be effectively used as a simple and economical nondestructive method for a preliminary prediction of mechanical and physical properties, as well as a tool for the assessment of the weathering changes of granites that occur during the serviceable life. This is of much interest due to the usual difficulties in removing specimens for mechanical characterization.

Mid-IR laser ultrasonic testing for fiber reinforced plastics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusano, Masahiro; Hatano, Hideki; Oguchi, Kanae; Yamawaki, Hisashi; Watanabe, Makoto; Enoki, Manabu

2018-04-01

Ultrasonic testing is the most common method to detect defects in materials and evaluate their sizes and locations. Since piezo-electric transducers are manually handled from point to point, it takes more costs for huge products such as airplanes. Laser ultrasonic testing (LUT) is a breakthrough technique. A pulsed laser generates ultrasonic waves on a material surface due to thermoelastic effect or ablation. The ultrasonic waves can be detected by another laser with an interferometer. Thus, LUT can realize instantaneous inspection without contacting a sample. A pulse laser with around 3.2 μm wavelength (in the mid-IR range) is more suitable to generate ultrasonic waves for fiber reinforced plastics (FRPs) because the light is well absorbed by the polymeric matrix. On the other hand, such a laser is not available in the market. In order to emit the mid-IR laser pulse, we came up with the application of an optical parametric oscillator and developed an efficient wavelength conversion device by pumping a compact Nd:YAG solid-state laser. Our mid-IR LUT system is most suitable for inspection of FRPs. The signal-to-noise ratio of ultrasonic waves generated by the mid-IR laser is higher than that by the Nd:YAG laser. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the performance of the mid-IR LUT system in reflection mode. We investigated the effects of the material properties and the laser properties on the generated ultrasonic waves. In addition, C-scan images by the system were also presented.

Ultrasonic Doppler measurement of renal artery blood flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freund, W. R.; Meindl, J. D.

1975-01-01

An extensive evaluation of the practical and theoretical limitations encountered in the use of totally implantable CW Doppler flowmeters is provided. Theoretical analyses, computer models, in-vitro and in-vivo calibration studies describe the sources and magnitudes of potential errors in the measurement of blood flow through the renal artery, as well as larger vessels in the circulatory system. The evaluation of new flowmeter/transducer systems and their use in physiological investigations is reported.

Apparatus and method for noninvasive particle detection using doppler spectroscopy

DOEpatents

Sinha, Dipen N.

2016-05-31

An apparatus and method for noninvasively detecting the presence of solid particulate matter suspended in a fluid flowing through a pipe or an oil and gas wellbore are described. Fluid flowing through a conduit containing the particulate solids is exposed to a fixed frequency (>1 MHz) of ultrasonic vibrations from a transducer attached to the outside of the pipe. The returning Doppler frequency shifted signal derived from the scattering of sound from the moving solid particles is detected by an adjacent transducer. The transmitted signal and the Doppler signal are combined to provide sensitive particulate detection. The magnitude of the signal and the Doppler frequency shift are used to determine the particle size distribution and the velocity of the particles. Measurement of the phase shift between the applied frequency and the detected Doppler shifted may be used to determine the direction of motion of the particles.

Mid-infrared pulsed laser ultrasonic testing for carbon fiber reinforced plastics.

PubMed

Kusano, Masahiro; Hatano, Hideki; Watanabe, Makoto; Takekawa, Shunji; Yamawaki, Hisashi; Oguchi, Kanae; Enoki, Manabu

2018-03-01

Laser ultrasonic testing (LUT) can realize contactless and instantaneous non-destructive testing, but its signal-to-noise ratio must be improved in order to measure carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs). We have developed a mid-infrared (mid-IR) laser source optimal for generating ultrasonic waves in CFRPs by using a wavelength conversion device based on an optical parametric oscillator. This paper reports a comparison of the ultrasonic generation behavior between the mid-IR laser and the Nd:YAG laser. The mid-IR laser generated a significantly larger ultrasonic amplitude in CFRP laminates than a conventional Nd:YAG laser. In addition, our study revealed that the surface epoxy matrix of CFRPs plays an important role in laser ultrasonic generation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Functional tricuspid regurgitation and its relation to the morphology of the tricuspid valve and annulus: pulsed doppler echocardiography and two-dimensional echocardiography].

PubMed

Mikami, T; Kudo, T; Sakurai, N; Sakamoto, S; Tanabe, Y; Yasuda, H

1983-06-01

The mechanism for the development of functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was studied by an ultrasonic method. Thirty-five examinations were performed in 31 patients who were expected to have functional TR, and the severity was classified into 4 grades according to the extension of the regurgitant signals by pulsed Doppler echocardiography. The satisfactory horizontal section of the tricuspid valve was obtained by two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) to measure the tricuspid annular diameter and to observe systolic configuration of the tricuspid valve in 22 examinations. The tricuspid annular diameter was well correlated with the severity of TR, and "lack of coaptation" of the valve was recognized on 2DE in some cases of severe TR with the markedly dilated annulus, indicating that this dilatation was an important trigger of functional TR. Additionally, in the majority of patients with severe TR, "anterior displacement" of the tips of tricuspid leaflet(s) (6 mm or more from the tricuspid annulus towards the right ventricle) was observed, which was thought to be due to the chordal traction secondary to the right ventricular dilatation, and contributed to the development of functional TR by disturbing sufficient coaptation. In one particular case, severe TR was associated with " malaligned coaptation" caused by the anterior displacement confined to the septal leaflet, indicating that asymmetrical dilatation of the right ventricle and/or disorientation of chordae-valve system may contribute to TR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Non-invasive measurement of pulse wave velocity using transputer-based analysis of Doppler flow audio signals.

PubMed

Stewart, W R; Ramsey, M W; Jones, C J

1994-08-01

A system for the measurement of arterial pulse wave velocity is described. A personal computer (PC) plug-in transputer board is used to process the audio signals from two pocket Doppler ultrasound units. The transputer is used to provide a set of bandpass digital filters on two channels. The times of excursion of power through thresholds in each filter are recorded and used to estimate the onset of systolic flow. The system does not require an additional spectrum analyser and can work in real time. The transputer architecture provides for easy integration into any wider physiological measurement system.

Measurements of Doppler-ion temperature and flow in the multi-pulsing CHI experiment on HIST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanao, T.; Ishihara, M.; Hirono, H.; Hyobu, T.; Ito, K.; Matsumoto, K.; Nakayama, T.; Kikuchi, Y.; Fukumoto, N.; Nagata, M.

2012-10-01

The steady-state current sustainment of spherical torus (ST) configurations is expected to be achieved by Multi-pulsing Coaxial Helicity Injection (M-CHI) method. In the double-pulsing discharges, the plasma current can be sustained much longer against the resistive decay compared to the single CHI. The M-CHI has capabilities as a static ion heating method. Ion Doppler Spectrometer (IDS) measurements confirmed a significant increase in the ion temperature after the second CHI pulse. The ion heating mechanism is an important issue to be explored in the M-CHI experiments. It is considered due to the magnetic reconnection process of plasmoids and/or the damping of the Alfven wave. The ion heating becomes suppressed around the separatrix layer in the high field side where the amplitude of the magnetic fluctuations is minimized due to the poloidal flow shear. The shear flow generation is caused by ExB drift and ion diamagnetic drift. The contribution from the diamagnetic drift on the shear flow can be evaluated by measuring the flow velocity of hydrogen and impurity ions by using Mach probe and IDS. We will discuss the dependence of the ion heating characteristics on the variation of the density gradient by varying TF coil current.

Cavitation Bubble Streaming in Ultrasonic-Standing-Wave Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nomura, Shinfuku; Mukasa, Shinobu; Kuroiwa, Masaya; Okada, Yasuyuki; Murakami, Koichi

2005-05-01

The mechanism of cavitation bubble streaming by ultrasonic vibration in a water tank was experimentally investigated. A standard ultrasonic cleaner unit with a resonant frequency of 40 kHz was used as an ultrasonic generator. The behavior of the streaming was visualized by the schlieren method and sonochemical luminescence, and the velocity of the streaming was measured by laser Doppler velocity measurement equipment (LDV). The cavitation bubble streaming has two structures. A cavitation cloud, which consists of many cavitation bubbles, is shaped like a facing pair of bowls with a diameter of approximately 1/3 the wavelength of the standing wave, and moves inside the standing-wave field with a velocity of 30 to 60 mm/s. The cavitation bubbles move intensely in the cloud with a velocity of 5 m/s at an ultrasonic output power of 75 W. The streaming is completely different from conventional acoustic streaming. Also the cavitation bubble is generated neither at the pressure node nor at the antinode.

Digital ultrasonic signal processing: Primary ultrasonics task and transducer characterization use and detailed description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hammond, P. L.

1979-01-01

This manual describes the use of the primary ultrasonics task (PUT) and the transducer characterization system (XC) for the collection, processing, and recording of data received from a pulse-echo ultrasonic system. Both PUT and XC include five primary functions common to many real-time data acquisition systems. Some of these functions are implemented using the same code in both systems. The solicitation and acceptance of operator control input is emphasized. Those operations not under user control are explained.

Development of an ultrasonic pulse-echo (UPE) technique for aircraft icing studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Yang; Hu, Hui; Chen, Wen-Li

Aircraft operating in some cold weather conditions face the risk of icing. Icing poses a threat to flight safety and its management is expensive. Removing light frost on a clear day from a medium-size business jet can cost $300, heavy wet snow removal can cost $3,000 and removal of accumulated frozen/freezing rain can cost close to $10,000. Understanding conditions that lead to severe icing events is important and challenging. When an aircraft or rotorcraft flies in a cold climate, some of the super cooled droplets impinging on exposed aircraft surfaces may flow along the surface prior to freezing and givemore » various forms and shapes of ice. The runback behavior of a water film on an aircraft affects the morphology of ice accretion and the rate of formation. In this study, we report the recent progress to develop an Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo (UPE) technique to provide real-time thickness distribution measurements of surface water flows driven by boundary layer airflows for aircraft icing studies. A series of initial experimental investigations are conducted in an ice wind tunnel employing an array of ultrasonic transducers placed underneath the surface of a flat plate. The water runback behavior on the plate is evaluated by measuring the thickness profile variation of the water film along the surface by using the UPE technique under various wind speed and flow rate conditions.« less

Using doppler radar images to estimate aircraft navigational heading error

DOEpatents

Doerry, Armin W [Albuquerque, NM; Jordan, Jay D [Albuquerque, NM; Kim, Theodore J [Albuquerque, NM

2012-07-03

A yaw angle error of a motion measurement system carried on an aircraft for navigation is estimated from Doppler radar images captured using the aircraft. At least two radar pulses aimed at respectively different physical locations in a targeted area are transmitted from a radar antenna carried on the aircraft. At least two Doppler radar images that respectively correspond to the at least two transmitted radar pulses are produced. These images are used to produce an estimate of the yaw angle error.

Wave Field Characterization Using Dual-Polarized Pulse-Doppler X-Band Radar

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

spectrum (frequencies higher than that associated with the wind wave peak) are similar for the buoy and Doppler, and likewise for the ultrasound array and...values of the RCS and ultrasound array relative to the buoy and Doppler are due to the formers’ larger energy levels at high frequencies. NSWCCD-50-TR...pp. 199- 203, 2008. [II] W. J. Plant, W. C. Keller, A. B. Reeves, E. A. Uliana, and J. W. Johnson, " Airborne microwave Doppler measurements of

A comparative study of experimental and simulated ultrasonic pulse-echo signals from multilayered structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abedin, M. N.; Prabhu, D. R.; Winfree, W. P.; Johnston, P. H.

1992-01-01

The effect on the system acoustic response of variations in the adhesive thickness, coupling thickness, and paint thickness is considered. Both simulations and experimental measurements are used to characterize and classify A-scans from test regions, and to study the effects of various parameters such as paint thickness and epoxy thickness on the variations in the reflected signals. A 1D model of sound propagation in multilayered structures is used to verify the validity of the measured signals, and is also used to computationally generate signals for a class of test locations with gradually varying parameters. This approach exploits the ability of numerical simulations to provide a good understanding of the ultrasonic pulses reflected at disbonds.

Doppler Lidar for Wind Measurements on Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Upendra N.; Emmitt, George D.; Yu, Jirong; Kavaya, Michael J.

2010-01-01

NASA Langley Research Center has a long history of developing 2-micron laser transmitter for wind sensing. With support from NASA Laser Risk Reduction Program (LRRP) and Instrument Incubator Program (IIP), NASA Langley Research Center has developed a state-of-the-art compact lidar transceiver for a pulsed coherent Doppler lidar system for wind measurement. The transmitter portion of the transceiver employs the high-pulse-energy, Ho:Tm:LuLiF, partially conductively cooled laser technology developed at NASA Langley. The transceiver is capable of 250 mJ pulses at 10 Hz. It is very similar to the technology envisioned for coherent Doppler lidar wind measurements from Earth and Mars orbit. The transceiver is coupled to the large optics and data acquisition system in the NASA Langley VALIDAR mobile trailer. The large optics consists of a 15-cm off-axis beam expanding telescope, and a full-hemispheric scanner. Vertical and horizontal vector winds are measured, as well as relative backscatter. The data acquisition system employs frequency domain velocity estimation and pulse accumulation. It permits real-time display of the processed winds and archival of all data. This lidar system was recently deployed at Howard University facility in Beltsville, Mary-land, along with other wind lidar systems. Coherent Doppler wind lidar ground-based wind measurements and comparisons with other sensors will be presented. A simulation and data product for wind measurement at Venus will be presented.

Ultrasonic extensometer measures bolt preload

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daniels, C. M., Jr.

1978-01-01

Extensometer using ultrasonic pulse reflections to measure elongations in tightened belts and studs is much more accurate than conventional torque wrenches in application of specified preload to bolts and other threaded fasteners.

Detection of cystic structures using pulsed ultrasonically induced resonant cavitation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bar-Cohen, Yoseph (Inventor); Kovach, John S. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

Apparatus and method for early detection of cystic structures indicative of ovarian and breast cancers uses ultrasonic wave energy at a unique resonance frequency for inducing cavitation in cystic fluid characteristic of cystic structures in the ovaries associated with ovarian cancer, and in cystic structures in the breast associated with breast cancer. Induced cavitation bubbles in the cystic fluid implode, creating implosion waves which are detected by ultrasonic receiving transducers attached to the abdomen of the patient. Triangulation of the ultrasonic receiving transducers enables the received signals to be processed and analyzed to identify the location and structure of the cyst.

Noninvasive aortic bloodflow by Pulsed Doppler Echocardiography (PDE) compared to cardiac output by the direct Fick procedure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

Left ventricular stroke volume was estimated from the systolic velocity integral in the ascending aorta by pulsed Doppler Echocardiography (PDE) and the cross sectional area of the aorta estimated by M mode echocardiography on 15 patients with coronary disease undergoing right catheterization for diagnostic purposes. Cardiac output was calculated from stroke volume and heart volume using the PDE method as well as the Fick procedure for comparison. The mean value for the cardiac output via the PDE method (4.42 L/min) was only 6% lower than for the cardiac output obtained from the Fick procedure (4.69 L/min) and the correlation between the two methods was excellent (r=0.967, p less than .01). The good agreement between the two methods demonstrates that the PDE technique offers a reliable noninvasive alternative for estimating cardiac output, requiring no active cooperation by the subject. It was concluded that the Doppler method is superior to the Fick method in that it provides beat by beat information on cardiac performance.

Subharmonic emissions from microbubbles: effect of the driving pulse shape.

PubMed

Biagi, Elena; Breschi, Luca; Vannacci, Enrico; Masotti, Leonardo

2006-11-01

The aims of this work are to investigate the response of the ultrasonic contrast agents (UCA) insonified by different arbitrary-shaped pulses at different acoustic pressures and concentration of the contrast agent focusing on subharmonic emission. A transmission setup was developed in order to insonify the contrast agent contained in a measurement chamber. The transmitted ultrasonic signals were generated by an arbitrary wave generator connected to a linear power amplifier able to drive a single-element transducer. The transmitted ultrasonic pulses that passed through the contrast agent-filled chamber were received by a second transducer or a hydrophone aligned with the first one. The radio frequency (RF) signals were acquired by fast echographic multiparameters multi-image novel apparatus (FEMMINA), which is an echographic platform able to acquire ultrasonic signals in a real-time modality. Three sets of ultrasonic signals were devised in order to evaluate subharmonic response of the contrast agent respect with sinusoidal burst signals used as reference pulses. A decreasing up to 30 dB in subharmonic response was detected for a Gaussian-shaped pulse; differences in subharmonic emission up to 21 dB were detected for a composite pulse (two-tone burst) for different acoustic pressures and concentrations. Results from this experimentation demonstrated that the transmitted pulse shape strongly affects subharmonic emission in spite of a second harmonic one. In particular, the smoothness of the initial portion of the shaped pulses can inhibit subharmonic generation from the contrast agents respect with a reference sinusoidal burst signal. It also was shown that subharmonic generation is influenced by the amplitude and the concentration of the contrast agent for each set of the shaped pulses. Subharmonic emissions that derive from a nonlinear mechanism involving nonlinear coupling among different oscillation modes are strongly affected by the shape of the ultrasonic

Method and apparatus to characterize ultrasonically reflective contrast agents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pretlow, Robert A., III (Inventor)

1993-01-01

A method and apparatus for characterizing the time and frequency response of an ultrasonically reflective contrast agent is disclosed. An ultrasonically reflective contrast agent is injected, under constant pressure, into a fluid flowing through a pump flow circuit. The fluid and the ultrasonically reflective contrast agent are uniformly mixed in a mixing chamber, and the uniform mixture is passed through a contrast agent chamber. The contrast agent chamber is acoustically and axially interposed between an ultrasonic transducer chamber and an acoustic isolation chamber. A pulse of ultrasonic energy is transmitted into the contrast agent chamber from the ultrasonic transducer chamber. An echo waveform is received from the ultrasonically reflective contrast agent, and it is analyzed to determine the time and frequency response of the ultrasonically reflective contrast agent.

Development of the Data Acquisition and Processing System for a Pulsed 2-Micron Coherent Doppler Lidar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beyon, Jeffrey Y.; Koch, Grady J.; Kavaya, Michael J.

2010-01-01

A general overview of the development of a data acquisition and processing system is presented for a pulsed, 2-micron coherent Doppler Lidar system located in NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, USA. It is a comprehensive system that performs high-speed data acquisition, analysis, and data display both in real time and offline. The first flight missions are scheduled for the summer of 2010 as part of the NASA Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) campaign for the study of hurricanes. The system as well as the control software is reviewed and its requirements and unique features are discussed.

Field trial of a Doppler sonar system for fisheries applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tollefsen, Cristina D. S.; Zedel, Len

2003-10-01

Various deployments of commercial Doppler current profiling systems have demonstrated that these instruments can detect fish and measure their swimming speeds. However, research into the possible application of Doppler sonar to fisheries problems is limited and has not taken advantage of coherent signal processing schemes. A field trial was undertaken in August 2002 to explore the capabilities of a coherent Doppler sonar when applied to detecting discrete targets. The passage of migrating salmon on the Fraser River in British Columbia provided an ideal test opportunity with fish of well-defined swimming behavior and allowed for comparisons with conventional fisheries acoustics techniques. The instrument tested was a 250-kHz sonar which provided for phase coding of transmit pulses and coherent sampling of successive acoustic returns. The field trial resulted in 11 consecutive days of Doppler sonar data acquired during the peak of the sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) migration. A total of 7425 individual fish were identified and their swimming speed was measured with an accuracy of between 10 cms-1 and 20 cms-1, which depended on pulse length, pulse spacing, and target range. By comparison, water velocity measurements made with the same instrument can only achieve a theoretical accuracy of 60 cms-1.

System and technique for characterizing fluids using ultrasonic diffraction grating spectroscopy

DOEpatents

Greenwood, Margaret S.

2005-04-12

A system for determining a property of a fluid based on ultrasonic diffraction grating spectroscopy includes a diffraction grating on a solid in contact with the fluid. An interrogation device delivers ultrasound through the solid and a captures a reflection spectrum from the diffraction grating. The reflection spectrum including a diffraction order equal to zero exhibits a peak whose location is used to determine speed of sound in the fluid. A separate measurement of the acoustic impedance is combined with the determined speed of sound to yield a measure of fluid density. A system for determining acoustic impedance includes an ultrasonic transducer on a first surface of a solid member, and an opposed second surface of the member is in contact with a fluid to be monitored. A longitudinal ultrasonic pulse is delivered through the solid member, and a multiplicity of pulse echoes caused by reflections of the ultrasonic pulse between the solid-fluid interface and the transducer-solid interface are detected. The decay rate of the detected echo amplitude as a function of echo number is used to determine acoustic impedance.

Ultrasonic wave propagation in powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Lashi, R. S.; Povey, M. J. W.; Watson, N. J.

2018-05-01

Powder clumps (cakes) has a significant effect on the flowability and stability of powders. Powder caking is mainly caused by moisture migration due to wetting and environmental (temperature and humidity) changes. The process of moisture migration caking involves creating liquid bridges between the particles during condensation which subsequently harden to form solid bridges. Therefore, an effective and reliable technique is required to quantitatively and non-invasively monitor caking kinetics and effective stiffness. This paper describes two ultrasonic instruments (ultrasonic velocity pulse and airborne ultrasound systems) that have been used to monitor the caking phenomenon. Also, it discusses the relationship between the ultrasonic velocity and attenuation measurements and tracking caking kinetics and the effective stiffness of powders.

The applicability of a material-treatment laser pulse in non-destructive evaluations.

PubMed

Hrovatin, R; Petkovsek, R; Diaci, J; Mozina, J

2006-12-22

A practical optodynamic study was performed to determine the usability of different lengths of laser pulses for the generation of ultrasonic transients in a solid material. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility of a dual use for a laser pulse-for laser material processing, on the one hand, and for the ultrasonic wave generation on the other-with both processes being combined on the same production line. The propagation of the laser-generated ultrasonic waves is evaluated by detecting and measuring with a PID-controlled stabilized interferometer. Thus, both systems provided the basic tools, the generation and detection of ultrasonic waves, for an ultrasonic, laser-based, non-destructive material evaluation. The ultrasonic transients generated by 'classical' nanosecond laser pulses were compared with the transients generated by industrial laser pulses with a duration of a few tenths of a microsecond. The experimental results are compared with the results of a time-of-flight analysis that also involved part of a mode-conversion analysis for both regimes in a layered material structure. The differences between the two waveforms were assessed in terms of their visibility, wavelength and resolution. The limit values were calculated and estimated for the laser-pulse parameters, when such pulses are intended for use in an ultrasonic, laser-based, non-destructive evaluation. The possibility of using an industrial marking laser for laser ultrasound generation is thus demonstrated.

An Ultrasonic Compactor for Oil and Gas Exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feeney, Andrew; Sikaneta, Sakalima; Harkness, Patrick; Lucas, Margaret

The Badger Explorer is a rig-less oil and gas exploration tool which drills into the subsea environment to collect geological data. Drill spoil is transported from the front end of the system to the rear, where the material is compacted. Motivated by the need to develop a highly efficient compaction system, an ultrasonic compactor for application with granular geological materials encountered in subsea environments is designed and fabricated as part of this study. The finite element method is used to design a compactor configuration suitable for subsea exploration, consisting of a vibrating ultrasonic horn called a resonant compactor head, which operates in a longitudinal mode at 20 kHz, driven by a Langevin piezoelectric transducer. A simplified version of the compactor is also designed, due to its ease of incorporating in a lab-based experimental rig, in order to demonstrate enhanced compaction using ultrasonics. Numerical analysis of this simplified compactor system is supported with experimental characterisation using laser Doppler vibrometry. Compaction testing is then conducted on granular geological material, showing that compaction can be enhanced through the use of an ultrasonic compactor.

Coherent Doppler lidar signal covariance including wind shear and wind turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frehlich, R. G.

1993-01-01

The performance of coherent Doppler lidar is determined by the statistics of the coherent Doppler signal. The derivation and calculation of the covariance of the Doppler lidar signal is presented for random atmospheric wind fields with wind shear. The random component is described by a Kolmogorov turbulence spectrum. The signal parameters are clarified for a general coherent Doppler lidar system. There are two distinct physical regimes: one where the transmitted pulse determines the signal statistics and the other where the wind field dominates the signal statistics. The Doppler shift of the signal is identified in terms of the wind field and system parameters.

Hand-Held Ultrasonic Instrument for Reading Matrix Symbols

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schramm, Harry F.; Kula, John P.; Gurney, John W.; Lior, Ephraim D.

2008-01-01

A hand-held instrument that would include an ultrasonic camera has been proposed as an efficient means of reading matrix symbols. The proposed instrument could be operated without mechanical raster scanning. All electronic functions from excitation of ultrasonic pulses through final digital processing for decoding matrix symbols would be performed by dedicated circuitry within the single, compact instrument housing.

[The diagnostic value of ultrasonic elastography and ultrasonography comprehensive score in cervical lesions].

PubMed

Lu, R; Xiao, Y

2017-07-18

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of ultrasonic elastography and ultrasonography comprehensive scoring method in the diagnosis of cervical lesions. Methods: A total of 116 patients were selected from the Department of Gynecology of the first hospital affiliated with Central South University from March 2014 to September 2015.All of the lesions were preoperatively examined by Doppler Ultrasound and elastography.The elasticity score was determined by a 5-point scoring method. Calculation of the strain ratio was based on a comparison of the average strain measured in the lesion with the adjacent tissue of the same depth, size, and shape.All these ultrasonic parameters were quantified, added, and arrived at ultrasonography comprehensive scores.To use surgical pathology as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of Doppler Ultrasound, elasticity score and strain ratio methods and ultrasonography comprehensive scoring method were comparatively analyzed. Results: (1) The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of Doppler Ultrasound in diagnosing cervical lesions were 82.89% (63/76), 85.0% (34/40), and 83.62% (97/116), respectively.(2) The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the elasticity score method were 77.63% (59/76), 82.5% (33/40), and 79.31% (92/116), respectively; the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the strain ratio measure method were 84.21% (64/76), 87.5% (35/40), and 85.34% (99/116), respectively.(3) The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasonography comprehensive scoring method were 90.79% (69/76), 92.5% (37/40), and 91.38% (106/116), respectively. Conclusion: (1) It was obvious that ultrasonic elastography had certain diagnostic value in cervical lesions. Strain ratio measurement can be more objective than elasticity score method.(2) The combined application of ultrasonography comprehensive scoring method, ultrasonic elastography and conventional sonography was more accurate than single parameter.

Ultrasonic imaging of textured alumina

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stang, David B.; Salem, Jonathan A.; Generazio, Edward R.

1989-01-01

Ultrasonic images representing the bulk attenuation and velocity of a set of alumina samples were obtained by a pulse-echo contact scanning technique. The samples were taken from larger bodies that were chemically similar but were processed by extrusion or isostatic processing. The crack growth resistance and fracture toughness of the larger bodies were found to vary with processing method and test orientation. The results presented here demonstrate that differences in texture that contribute to variations in structural performance can be revealed by analytic ultrasonic techniques.

Wave Mode Discrimination of Coded Ultrasonic Guided Waves Using Two-Dimensional Compressed Pulse Analysis.

PubMed

Malo, Sergio; Fateri, Sina; Livadas, Makis; Mares, Cristinel; Gan, Tat-Hean

2017-07-01

Ultrasonic guided waves testing is a technique successfully used in many industrial scenarios worldwide. For many complex applications, the dispersive nature and multimode behavior of the technique still poses a challenge for correct defect detection capabilities. In order to improve the performance of the guided waves, a 2-D compressed pulse analysis is presented in this paper. This novel technique combines the use of pulse compression and dispersion compensation in order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and temporal-spatial resolution of the signals. The ability of the technique to discriminate different wave modes is also highlighted. In addition, an iterative algorithm is developed to identify the wave modes of interest using adaptive peak detection to enable automatic wave mode discrimination. The employed algorithm is developed in order to pave the way for further in situ applications. The performance of Barker-coded and chirp waveforms is studied in a multimodal scenario where longitudinal and flexural wave packets are superposed. The technique is tested in both synthetic and experimental conditions. The enhancements in SNR and temporal resolution are quantified as well as their ability to accurately calculate the propagation distance for different wave modes.

Micro-pulse upconversion Doppler lidar for wind and visibility detection in the atmospheric boundary layer.

PubMed

Xia, Haiyun; Shangguan, Mingjia; Wang, Chong; Shentu, Guoliang; Qiu, Jiawei; Zhang, Qiang; Dou, Xiankang; Pan, Jianwei

2016-11-15

For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, a compact, eye-safe, and versatile direct detection Doppler lidar is developed using an upconversion single-photon detection method at 1.5 μm. An all-fiber and polarization maintaining architecture is realized to guarantee the high optical coupling efficiency and the robust stability. Using integrated-optic components, the conservation of etendue of the optical receiver is achieved by manufacturing a fiber-coupled periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide and an all-fiber Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI). The double-edge technique is implemented by using a convert single-channel FPI and a single upconversion detector, incorporating a time-division multiplexing method. The backscatter photons at 1548.1 nm are converted into 863 nm via mixing with a pump laser at 1950 nm. The relative error of the system is less than 0.1% over nine weeks. In experiments, atmospheric wind and visibility over 48 h are detected in the boundary layer. The lidar shows good agreement with the ultrasonic wind sensor, with a standard deviation of 1.04 m/s in speed and 12.3° in direction.

Using a heterodyne vibrometer in combination with pulse excitation for primary calibration of ultrasonic hydrophones in amplitude and phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weber, Martin; Wilkens, Volker

2017-08-01

A high-frequency vibrometer was used with ultrasonic pulse excitation in order to perform a primary hydrophone calibration. This approach enables the simultaneous characterization of the amplitude and phase transfer characteristic of ultrasonic hydrophones. The method allows a high frequency resolution in a considerably short time for the measurement. Furthermore, the uncertainty contributions of this approach were investigated and quantified. A membrane hydrophone was calibrated and the uncertainty budget for this measurement was determined. The calibration results are presented up to 70~\\text{MHz} . The measurement results show good agreement with the results obtained by sinusoidal burst excitation through the use of the vibrometer and by a homodyne laser interferometer, with RMS deviation of approximately 3% -4% in the frequency range from 1 to 60~\\text{MHz} . Further hydrophones were characterized up to 100~\\text{MHz} with this procedure to demonstrate the suitability for very high frequency calibration.

Embedded fiber optic ultrasonic sensors and generators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dorighi, John F.; Krishnaswamy, Sridhar; Achenbach, Jan D.

1995-04-01

Ultrasonic sensors and generators based on fiber-optic systems are described. It is shown that intrinsic fiber optic Fabry-Perot ultrasound sensors that are embedded in a structure can be stabilized by actively tuning the laser frequency. The need for this method of stabilization is demonstrated by detecting piezoelectric transducer-generated ultrasonic pulses in the presence of low frequency dynamic strains that are intentionally induced to cause sensor drift. The actively stabilized embedded fiber optic Fabry-Perot sensor is also shown to have sufficient sensitivity to detect ultrasound that is generated in the interior of a structure by means of a high-power optical fiber that pipes energy from a pulsed laser to an embedded generator of ultrasound.

Characterization of turbulent wake of wind turbine by coherent Doppler lidar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Songhua; Yin, Jiaping; Liu, Bingyi; Liu, Jintao; Li, Rongzhong; Wang, Xitao; Feng, Changzhong; Zhuang, Quanfeng; Zhang, Kailin

2014-11-01

The indispensable access to real turbulent wake behavior is provided by the pulsed coherent Doppler Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) which operates by transmitting a laser beam and detecting the radiation backscattered by atmospheric aerosol particles. The Doppler shift in the frequency of the backscattered signal is analyzed to obtain the line-of-sight (LOS) velocity component of the air motion. From the LOS velocities the characteristic of the turbulent wake can be deduced. The Coherent Doppler LIDAR (CDL) is based on all-fiber laser technology and fast digital-signal-processing technology. The 1.5 µm eye-safe Doppler LIDAR system has a pulse length of 200ns and a pulse repetition frequency of 10 kHz. The speed measurement range is ±50m/s and the speed measurement uncertainty is 0.3 m/s. The 2-axis beam scanner and detection range of 3000m enable the system to monitor the whole wind farming filed. Because of the all-fiber structure adoption, the system is stable, reliable and high-integrated. The wake vortices of wind turbine blades with different spatial and temporal scales have been observed by LIDAR. In this paper, the authors discuss the possibility of using LIDAR measurements to characterize the complicated wind field, specifically wind velocity deficit and terrain effects.

Ultrasonic ranging for the oculometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guy, W. J.

1981-01-01

Ultrasonic tracking techniques are investigated for an oculometer. Two methods are reported in detail. The first is based on measurements of time from the start of a transmit burst to a received echo. Knowing the sound velocity, distance can be calculated. In the second method, a continuous signal is transmitted. Target movement causes phase shifting of the echo. By accumulating these phase shifts, tracking from a set point can be achieved. Both systems have problems with contoured targets, but work well on flat plates and the back of a human head. Also briefly reported is an evaluation of an ultrasonic ranging system. Interface circuits make this system compatible with the echo time design. While the system is consistently accurate, it has a beam too narrow for oculometer use. Finally, comments are provided on a tracking system using the Doppler frequency shift to give range data.

Determination of Testicular Blood Flow in Camelids Using Vascular Casting and Color Pulsed-Wave Doppler Ultrasonography

PubMed Central

Kutzler, Michelle; Tyson, Reid; Grimes, Monica; Timm, Karen

2011-01-01

We describe the vasculature of the camelid testis using plastic casting. We also use color pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography to measure testicular blood flow and compare the differences between testicular blood flow in fertile and infertile camelids. The testicular artery originates from the ventral surface of the aorta, gives rise to an epididymal branch, and becomes very tortuous as it approaches the testis. Within the supratesticular arteries, peak systolic velocity (PSV) was higher in fertile males compared to infertile males (P = 0.0004). In addition, end diastolic velocity (EDV) within the supratesticular arteries was higher for fertile males when compared to infertile males (P = 0.0325). Within the marginal arteries, PSV was also higher in fertile males compared to infertile males (P = 0.0104). However, EDV within the marginal arteries was not significantly different between fertile and infertile males (P = 0.121). In addition, the resistance index was not significantly different between fertile and infertile males within the supratesticular (P = 0.486) and marginal arteries (P = 0.144). The significance of this research is that in addition to information obtained from a complete reproductive evaluation, a male camelid's fertility can be determined using testicular blood flow measured by Doppler ultrasonography. PMID:21941690

Determination of testicular blood flow in camelids using vascular casting and color pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography.

PubMed

Kutzler, Michelle; Tyson, Reid; Grimes, Monica; Timm, Karen

2011-01-01

We describe the vasculature of the camelid testis using plastic casting. We also use color pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography to measure testicular blood flow and compare the differences between testicular blood flow in fertile and infertile camelids. The testicular artery originates from the ventral surface of the aorta, gives rise to an epididymal branch, and becomes very tortuous as it approaches the testis. Within the supratesticular arteries, peak systolic velocity (PSV) was higher in fertile males compared to infertile males (P = 0.0004). In addition, end diastolic velocity (EDV) within the supratesticular arteries was higher for fertile males when compared to infertile males (P = 0.0325). Within the marginal arteries, PSV was also higher in fertile males compared to infertile males (P = 0.0104). However, EDV within the marginal arteries was not significantly different between fertile and infertile males (P = 0.121). In addition, the resistance index was not significantly different between fertile and infertile males within the supratesticular (P = 0.486) and marginal arteries (P = 0.144). The significance of this research is that in addition to information obtained from a complete reproductive evaluation, a male camelid's fertility can be determined using testicular blood flow measured by Doppler ultrasonography.

MEMS based Doppler velocity measurement system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Minchul

The design, fabrication, modeling and characterization of a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) based in-air Doppler velocity measurement system using a 1 cm2 planar array are described. Continuous wave operation in a narrowband was chosen in order to maximize range, as it allows for better rejection of broadband noise. The sensor array has a 160-185 kHz resonant frequency to achieve a 10 degree beamwidth. A model for the cMUT and the acoustic system which includes electrical, mechanical, and acoustic components is provided. Furthermore, characterization of the cMUT sensor with a variety of testing procedures is provided. Laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV), beampattern, reflection, and velocity testing characterize the performance of the sensors. The sensor is capable of measuring the velocity of a moving specular reflector with a resolution of 5 cm/s, an update rate of 0.016 second, and a range of 1.5 m.

Noise Whitening in Airborne Wind Profiling With a Pulsed 2-Micron Coherent Doppler Lidar at NASA Langley Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beyon, Jeffrey Y.; Arthur, Grant E.; Koch, Grady J.; Kavaya, Michael J.

2012-01-01

Two different noise whitening methods in airborne wind profiling with a pulsed 2-micron coherent Doppler lidar system at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia are presented. In order to provide accurate wind parameter estimates from the airborne lidar data acquired during the NASA Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) campaign in 2010, the adverse effects of background instrument noise must be compensated properly in the early stage of data processing. The results of the two methods are presented using selected GRIP data and compared with the dropsonde data for verification purposes.

Application of PMN-32PT Piezoelectric Crystals for Novel Air-coupled Ultrasonic Transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazys, Rymantas Jonas; Sliteris, Reimondas; Sestoke, Justina

Due to very high piezoelectric properties of PMN-PT crystals they may significantly improve performance of air-coupled ultrasonic transducers. For these purpose vibrations of PMN-PT rectangular plates and strips were investigated. An air-coupled ultrasonic transducer and array consisting of 8 single piezoelectric strips were designed. Operation of the transducer was simulated by the finite element method using ANSYS Mechanical APDL Product Launcher software. Spatial distributions of displacements inside piezoelectric elements and matching strip were obtained. Experimental investigations were carried out by the laser Doppler vibrometer Polytec OFV-5000 and the Bruel&Kjaer microphone 4138 with the measurement amplifier NEXUS WH 3219. It was found that performance of the ultrasonic transducer with PMN-32PT crystals was a few times better than of a PZT based ultrasonic transducer.

Out-of-plane ultrasonic velocity measurement

DOEpatents

Hall, Maclin S.; Brodeur, Pierre H.; Jackson, Theodore G.

1998-01-01

A method for improving the accuracy of measuring the velocity and time of flight of ultrasonic signals through moving web-like materials such as paper, paperboard and the like, includes a pair of ultrasonic transducers disposed on opposing sides of a moving web-like material. In order to provide acoustical coupling between the transducers and the web-like material, the transducers are disposed in fluid-filled wheels. Errors due to variances in the wheel thicknesses about their circumference which can affect time of flight measurements and ultimately the mechanical property being tested are compensated by averaging the ultrasonic signals for a predetermined number of revolutions. The invention further includes a method for compensating for errors resulting from the digitization of the ultrasonic signals. More particularly, the invention includes a method for eliminating errors known as trigger jitter inherent with digitizing oscilloscopes used to digitize the signals for manipulation by a digital computer. In particular, rather than cross-correlate ultrasonic signals taken during different sample periods as is known in the art in order to determine the time of flight of the ultrasonic signal through the moving web, a pulse echo box is provided to enable cross-correlation of predetermined transmitted ultrasonic signals with predetermined reflected ultrasonic or echo signals during the sample period. By cross-correlating ultrasonic signals in the same sample period, the error associated with trigger jitter is eliminated.

Assessment of left ventricular function using pulsed tissue Doppler imaging in healthy dogs and dogs with spontaneous mitral regurgitation.

PubMed

Teshima, Kenji; Asano, Kazushi; Sasaki, Yukie; Kato, Yuka; Kutara, Kenji; Edamura, Kazuya; Hasegawa, Atsuhiko; Tanaka, Shigeo

2005-12-01

Pulsed tissue Doppler imaging (pulsed TDI) has been demonstrated to be useful for the estimation of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions in various human cardiac diseases. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between pulsed TDI and LV function by using cardiac catheterization in healthy dogs and to evaluate the clinical usefulness of pulsed TDI in dogs with spontaneous mitral regurgitation (MR). The peak early diastolic velocity (E'), peak atrial systolic velocity (A'), and peak systolic velocity (S') were detectable in the velocity profiles of the mitral annulus in all the dogs. In the healthy dogs, S' and E' were correlated with LV peak +dP/dt and -dP/dt, respectively. E' was lower in dogs with MR than in dogs without cardiac diseases. E/E' in the MR dogs with decompensated heart failure was significantly increased in comparison with those with compensated heart failure. The sensitivity and specificity of the E/E' cutoff value of 13.0 for identifying decompensated heart failure were 80% and 83%, respectively. In addition, E/E' was significantly correlated with the ratio of left atrial to aortic diameter. These findings suggest that canine pulsed TDI can be applied clinically for estimation of cardiac function and detection of cardiac decompensation and left atrial volume overload in dogs with MR.

3-D Surface Depression Profiling Using High Frequency Focused Air-Coupled Ultrasonic Pulses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Don J.; Kautz, Harold E.; Abel, Phillip B.; Whalen, Mike F.; Hendricks, J. Lynne; Bodis, James R.

1999-01-01

Surface topography is an important variable in the performance of many industrial components and is normally measured with diamond-tip profilometry over a small area or using optical scattering methods for larger area measurement. This article shows quantitative surface topography profiles as obtained using only high-frequency focused air-coupled ultrasonic pulses. The profiles were obtained using a profiling system developed by NASA Glenn Research Center and Sonix, Inc (via a formal cooperative agreement). (The air transducers are available as off-the-shelf items from several companies.) The method is simple and reproducible because it relies mainly on knowledge and constancy of the sound velocity through the air. The air transducer is scanned across the surface and sends pulses to the sample surface where they are reflected back from the surface along the same path as the incident wave. Time-of-flight images of the sample surface are acquired and converted to depth/surface profile images using the simple relation (d = V*t/2) between distance (d), time-of-flight (t), and the velocity of sound in air (V). The system has the ability to resolve surface depression variations as small as 25 microns, is useable over a 1.4 mm vertical depth range, and can profile large areas only limited by the scan limits of the particular ultrasonic system. (Best-case depth resolution is 0.25 microns which may be achievable with improved isolation from vibration and air currents.) The method using an optimized configuration is reasonably rapid and has all quantitative analysis facilities on-line including 2-D and 3-D visualization capability, extreme value filtering (for faulty data), and leveling capability. Air-coupled surface profilometry is applicable to plate-like and curved samples. In this article, results are shown for several proof-of-concept samples, plastic samples burned in microgravity on the STS-54 space shuttle mission, and a partially-coated cylindrical ceramic

Accuracy of a pulse-coherent acoustic Doppler profiler in a wave-dominated flow

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lacy, J.R.; Sherwood, C.R.

2004-01-01

The accuracy of velocities measured by a pulse-coherent acoustic Doppler profiler (PCADP) in the bottom boundary layer of a wave-dominated inner-shelf environment is evaluated. The downward-looking PCADP measured velocities in eight 10-cm cells at 1 Hz. Velocities measured by the PCADP are compared to those measured by an acoustic Doppler velocimeter for wave orbital velocities up to 95 cm s-1 and currents up to 40 cm s-1. An algorithm for correcting ambiguity errors using the resolution velocities was developed. Instrument bias, measured as the average error in burst mean speed, is -0.4 cm s-1 (standard deviation = 0.8). The accuracy (root-mean-square error) of instantaneous velocities has a mean of 8.6 cm s-1 (standard deviation = 6.5) for eastward velocities (the predominant direction of waves), 6.5 cm s-1 (standard deviation = 4.4) for northward velocities, and 2.4 cm s-1 (standard deviation = 1.6) for vertical velocities. Both burst mean and root-mean-square errors are greater for bursts with ub ??? 50 cm s-1. Profiles of burst mean speeds from the bottom five cells were fit to logarithmic curves: 92% of bursts with mean speed ??? 5 cm s-1 have a correlation coefficient R2 > 0.96. In cells close to the transducer, instantaneous velocities are noisy, burst mean velocities are biased low, and bottom orbital velocities are biased high. With adequate blanking distances for both the profile and resolution velocities, the PCADP provides sufficient accuracy to measure velocities in the bottom boundary layer under moderately energetic inner-shelf conditions.

High-frequency ultrasound Doppler system for biomedical applications with a 30-MHz linear array.

PubMed

Xu, Xiaochen; Sun, Lei; Cannata, Jonathan M; Yen, Jesse T; Shung, K Kirk

2008-04-01

In this paper, we report the development of the first high-frequency (HF) pulsed-wave Doppler system using a 30-MHz linear array transducer to assess the cardiovascular functions in small animals. This array-based pulsed-wave Doppler system included a 16-channel HF analog beamformer, a HF pulsed-wave Doppler module, timing circuits, HF bipolar pulsers and analog front ends. The beamformed echoes acquired by the 16-channel analog beamformer were fed directly to the HF pulsed-wave Doppler module. Then the in-phase and quadrature-phase (IQ) audio Doppler signals were digitized by either a sound card or a Gage digitizer and stored in a personal computer. The Doppler spectrogram was displayed on a personal computer in real time. The two-way beamwidths were determined to be 160 microm to 320 microm when the array was electronically focused at different focal points at depths from 5 to 10 mm. A micro-flow phantom, consisting of a polyimide tube with an inner diameter of 127 microm and the wire phantom were used to evaluate and calibrate the system. The results show that the system is capable of detecting motion velocity of the wire phantom as low as 0.1 mm/s, and detecting blood-mimicking flow velocity in the 127-microm tube lower than 7 mm/s. The system was subsequently used to measure the blood flow in vivo in two mouse abdominal superficial vessels, with diameters of approximately 200 microm, and a mouse aorta close to the heart. These results demonstrated that this system may become an indispensable part of the current HF array-based imaging systems for small animal studies.

High resolution in situ ultrasonic corrosion monitor

DOEpatents

Grossman, R.J.

1984-01-10

An ultrasonic corrosion monitor is provided which produces an in situ measurement of the amount of corrosion of a monitoring zone or zones of an elongate probe placed in the corrosive environment. A monitoring zone is preferably formed between the end of the probe and the junction of the zone with a lead-in portion of the probe. Ultrasonic pulses are applied to the probe and a determination made of the time interval between pulses reflected from the end of the probe and the junction referred to, both when the probe is uncorroded and while it is corroding. Corresponding electrical signals are produced and a value for the normalized transit time delay derived from these time interval measurements is used to calculate the amount of corrosion.

High resolution in situ ultrasonic corrosion monitor

DOEpatents

Grossman, Robert J.

1985-01-01

An ultrasonic corrosion monitor is provided which produces an in situ measurement of the amount of corrosion of a monitoring zone or zones of an elongate probe placed in the corrosive environment. A monitoring zone is preferably formed between the end of the probe and the junction of the zone with a lead-in portion of the probe. Ultrasonic pulses are applied to the probe and a determination made of the time interval between pulses reflected from the end of the probe and the junction referred to, both when the probe is uncorroded and while it is corroding. Corresponding electrical signals are produced and a value for the normalized transit time delay derived from these time interval measurements is used to calculate the amount of corrosion.

Feasibility of transabdominal Doppler sonography for studying uterine blood flow characteristics in cycling gilts.

PubMed

Herlta, Catherine; Starka, Rosa; Sigmarsson, Haukur L; Kauffold, Johannes

2018-06-01

To test for the feasibility of transabdominal Doppler sonography (color, power, pulse wave) to define uterine perfusion characteristics throughout the estrous cycle in gilts. A total of 15 gilts were synchronized for estrus and scanned in their following spontaneous cycle while being restrained in a purpose-designed mobile crate. To define uterine perfusion characteristics, vessels in between and within uterine cross-sections were imaged and recorded as video sequences to be analyzed by PixelFlux® software for perfused area (Amix), blood flow velocity (vmix) and intensity (Imix) as well as resistance (RIvmix) and pulsatility index (PIvmix). Color Doppler sonography proved to be the only feasible technique, as it was less affected by animal movements than power and pulse wave sonography. As determined by color Doppler sonography, all five parameters determined showed specific patterns through the estrous cycle, i. e. Amix, vmix, Imix were high in proestrus, decreased in estrus and remained low in midestrus and most parts of diestrus; RIvmix and PIvmix with inversely paralleled patterns. This study has demonstrated that transabdominal color Doppler but not power and pulse wave Doppler sonography is feasible to be performed in crate-restrained gilts for studying uterine perfusion characteristics during the estrous cycle, and that changes of uterine perfusion over the course of the estrous cycle can be clearly followed by color Doppler sonography. Results encourage the use of color Doppler sonography for studying i. e. uterine capacity or uterus related infertility such as for cases of clinically unapparent endometritis. Schattauer GmbH.

A New Method for Cerebral Arterial Stiffness by Measuring Pulse Wave Velocity Using Transcranial Doppler.

PubMed

Fu, Xian; Huang, Chuming; Wong, Ka Sing; Chen, Xiangyan; Gao, Qingchun

2016-08-01

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) has been regarded as the "gold standard" measurement of arterial stiffness (AS), but it is still only used in the assessment of central and peripheral arteries. We constructed a new method to evaluate cerebral AS by measuring PWV using transcranial Doppler (TCD). In all, 90 healthy subjects who received annual health screening were consecutively enrolled in this study between January 2011 and June 2013. Data on clinical characteristics, brachium-ankle (ba) PWV, and carotid-cerebral (cc) PWV measured with our newly constructed method by two experienced operators were recorded. cc PWV was calculated as the distance between two points in the common carotid artery and proximal part of ipsilateral middle cerebral artery, which was divided by the pulse transit time between these two points where the pulse was measured using TCD. The value of cc PWV was 499.3±78.6 cm/s. Correlation between cc PWV and ba PWV in the assessment of AS was r=0.794 (P＜0.001). The concordance between both the above mentioned methods was good. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability using interclass correlation for measuring cc PWV were 0.815 (P＜0.001) and 0.939 (P＜0.001), respectively. In multivariable analysis, older age (β=4.51, P＜0.001) and increased diastolic blood pressure (β=2.39, P＜0.001) were independently associated with higher cc PWV. cc PWV measured using TCD may be a promising method for the assessment of human cerebral AS, which is independently associated with age and diastolic blood pressure.

Out-of-plane ultrasonic velocity measurement

DOEpatents

Hall, M.S.; Brodeur, P.H.; Jackson, T.G.

1998-07-14

A method for improving the accuracy of measuring the velocity and time of flight of ultrasonic signals through moving web-like materials such as paper, paperboard and the like, includes a pair of ultrasonic transducers disposed on opposing sides of a moving web-like material. In order to provide acoustical coupling between the transducers and the web-like material, the transducers are disposed in fluid-filled wheels. Errors due to variances in the wheel thicknesses about their circumference which can affect time of flight measurements and ultimately the mechanical property being tested are compensated by averaging the ultrasonic signals for a predetermined number of revolutions. The invention further includes a method for compensating for errors resulting from the digitization of the ultrasonic signals. More particularly, the invention includes a method for eliminating errors known as trigger jitter inherent with digitizing oscilloscopes used to digitize the signals for manipulation by a digital computer. In particular, rather than cross-correlate ultrasonic signals taken during different sample periods as is known in the art in order to determine the time of flight of the ultrasonic signal through the moving web, a pulse echo box is provided to enable cross-correlation of predetermined transmitted ultrasonic signals with predetermined reflected ultrasonic or echo signals during the sample period. By cross-correlating ultrasonic signals in the same sample period, the error associated with trigger jitter is eliminated. 20 figs.

Modeling NDT piezoelectric ultrasonic transmitters.

PubMed

San Emeterio, J L; Ramos, A; Sanz, P T; Ruíz, A; Azbaid, A

2004-04-01

Ultrasonic NDT applications are frequently based on the spike excitation of piezoelectric transducers by means of efficient pulsers which usually include a power switching device (e.g. SCR or MOS-FET) and some rectifier components. In this paper we present an approximate frequency domain electro-acoustic model for pulsed piezoelectric ultrasonic transmitters which, by integrating partial models of the different stages (driving electronics, tuning/matching networks and broadband piezoelectric transducer), allows the computation of the emission transfer function and output force temporal waveform. An approximate frequency domain model is used for the evaluation of the electrical driving pulse from the spike generator. Tuning circuits, interconnecting cable and mechanical impedance matching layers are modeled by means of transmission lines and the classical quadripole approach. The KLM model is used for the piezoelectric transducer. In addition, a PSPICE scheme is used for an alternative simulation of the broadband driving spike, including the accurate evaluation of non-linear driving effects. Several examples illustrate the capabilities of the specifically developed software.

Comprehensive pulsed electric field (PEF) system analysis for microalgae processing.

PubMed

Buchmann, Leandro; Bloch, Robin; Mathys, Alexander

2018-06-07

Pulsed electric field (PEF) is an emerging nonthermal technique with promising applications in microalgae biorefinery concepts. In this work, the flow field in continuous PEF processing and its influencing factors were analyzed and energy input distributions in PEF treatment chambers were investigated. The results were obtained using an interdisciplinary approach that combined multiphysics simulations with ultrasonic Doppler velocity profiling (UVP) and rheological measurements of Arthrospira platensis suspensions as a case study for applications in the biobased industry. UVP enabled non-invasive validation of multiphysics simulations. A. platensis suspensions follow a non-Newtonian, shear-thinning behavior, and measurement data could be fitted with rheological functions, which were used as an input for fluid dynamics simulations. Within the present work, a comprehensive system characterization was achieved that will facilitate research in the field of PEF processing. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Aircraft components structural health monitoring using flexible ultrasonic transducer arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, W.-L.; Jen, C.-K.; Kobayashi, M.; Mrad, N.

2011-04-01

A damage detection capability based on a flexible ultrasonic transducer (FUT) array bonded onto a planar and a curved surface is presented. The FUT array was fabricated on a 75 μm titanium substrate using sol-gel spray technique. Room temperature curable adhesive is used as the bonding agent and ultrasonic couplant between the transducer and the test article. The bonding agent was successfully tested for aircraft environmental temperatures between -80 °C and 100 °C. For a planar test article, selected FUT arrays were able to detect fasteners damage within a planar distance of 176 mm, when used in the pulse-echo mode. Such results illustrate the effectiveness of the developed FUT transducer as compared to commercial 10MHz ultrasonic transducer (UT). These FUT arrays were further demonstrated on a curved test article. Pulse-echo measurements confirmed the reflected echoes from the specimen. Such measurement was not possible with commercial UTs due to the curved nature of the test article and its accessibility, thus demonstrating the suitability and superiority of the developed flexible ultrasonic transducer capability.

Ambiguity Of Doppler Centroid In Synthetic-Aperture Radar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, Chi-Yung; Curlander, John C.

1991-01-01

Paper discusses performances of two algorithms for resolution of ambiguity in estimated Doppler centroid frequency of echoes in synthetic-aperture radar. One based on range-cross-correlation technique, other based on multiple-pulse-repetition-frequency technique.

A remote and non-contact method for obtaining the blood-pulse waveform with a laser Doppler vibrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desjardins, Candida L.; Antonelli, Lynn T.; Soares, Edward

2007-02-01

The use of lasers to remotely and non-invasively detect the blood pressure waveform of humans and animals would provide a powerful diagnostic tool. Current blood pressure measurement tools, such as a cuff, are not useful for burn and trauma victims, and animals require catheterization to acquire accurate blood pressure information. The purpose of our sensor method and apparatus invention is to remotely and non-invasively detect the blood pulse waveform of both animals and humans. This device is used to monitor an animal or human's skin in proximity to an artery using radiation from a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV). This system measures the velocity (or displacement) of the pulsatile motion of the skin, indicative of physiological parameters of the arterial motion in relation to the cardiac cycle. Tests have been conducted that measures surface velocity with an LDV and a signal-processing unit, with enhanced detection obtained with optional hardware including a retro-reflector dot. The blood pulse waveform is obtained by integrating the velocity signal to get surface displacement using standard signal processing techniques. Continuous recording of the blood pulse waveform yields data containing information on cardiac health and can be analyzed to identify important events in the cardiac cycle, such as heart rate, the timing of peak systole, left ventricular ejection time and aortic valve closure. Experimental results are provided that demonstrates the current capabilities of the optical, non-contact sensor for the continuous, non-contact recording of the blood pulse waveform without causing patient distress.

Ultrasonic Ranging System With Increased Resolution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, William E.; Johnson, William G.

1987-01-01

Master-oscillator frequency increased. Ultrasonic range-measuring system with 0.1-in. resolution provides continuous digital display of four distance readings, each updated four times per second. Four rangefinder modules in system are modified versions of rangefinder used for automatic focusing in commercial series of cameras. Ultrasonic pulses emitted by system innocuous to both people and equipment. Provides economical solutions to such distance-measurement problems as posed by boats approaching docks, truck backing toward loading platform, runway-clearance readout for tail of airplane with high angle attack, or burglar alarm.

Laser Ultrasonic System for On-Line Steel Tube Gauging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monchalin, Jean-Pierre; Choquet, Marc; Padioleau, Christian; Néron, Christian; Lévesque, Daniel; Blouin, Alain; Corbeil, Christian; Talbot, Richard; Bendada, Abdelhakim; Lamontagne, Mario; Kolarik, Robert V.; Jeskey, Gerald V.; Dominik, Erich D.; Duly, Larry J.; Samblanet, Kenneth J.; Agger, Steven E.; Roush, Kenneth J.; Mester, Michael L.

2003-03-01

A laser-ultrasonic system has been installed on a seamless tubing production line of The Timken Company and is being used to measure on-line the wall thickness of tubes during processing. The seamless process consists essentially in forcing a mandrel through a hot cylindrical billet in rotation and typically results in fairly large wall thickness variations that should be minimized and controlled to respect specifications. The system includes a Q-switched Nd-YAG laser for generation of ultrasound by ablation, a long pulse very stable Nd-YAG laser for detection coupled to a confocal Fabry-Perot interferometer, a pyrometer to measure tube temperature and two laser Doppler velocimeters to measure the coordinates of the probing location at the tube surface. The laser, data acquisition and processing units are housed in a cabin off line and connected to a front coupling head located over the passing tube by optical fibers. The system has been integrated into the plant computer network and provides in real time thickness data to the plant operators. It allow much faster mill setups, has been used since its deployment for inspecting more than 100,000 tubes and has demonstrated very significant savings.

Pulse Oximeter Derived Blood Pressure Measurement in Patients With a Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device.

PubMed

Hellman, Yaron; Malik, Adnan S; Lane, Kathleen A; Shen, Changyu; Wang, I-Wen; Wozniak, Thomas C; Hashmi, Zubair A; Munson, Sarah D; Pickrell, Jeanette; Caccamo, Marco A; Gradus-Pizlo, Irmina; Hadi, Azam

2017-05-01

Currently, blood pressure (BP) measurement is obtained noninvasively in patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) by placing a Doppler probe over the brachial or radial artery with inflation and deflation of a manual BP cuff. We hypothesized that replacing the Doppler probe with a finger-based pulse oximeter can yield BP measurements similar to the Doppler derived mean arterial pressure (MAP). We conducted a prospective study consisting of patients with contemporary continuous flow LVADs. In a small pilot phase I inpatient study, we compared direct arterial line measurements with an automated blood pressure (ABP) cuff, Doppler and pulse oximeter derived MAP. Our main phase II study included LVAD outpatients with a comparison between Doppler, ABP, and pulse oximeter derived MAP. A total of five phase I and 36 phase II patients were recruited during February-June 2014. In phase I, the average MAP measured by pulse oximeter was closer to arterial line MAP rather than Doppler (P = 0.06) or ABP (P < 0.01). In phase II, pulse oximeter MAP (96.6 mm Hg) was significantly closer to Doppler MAP (96.5 mm Hg) when compared to ABP (82.1 mm Hg) (P = 0.0001). Pulse oximeter derived blood pressure measurement may be as reliable as Doppler in patients with continuous flow LVADs. © 2016 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ultrasonic angle beam standard reflector. [ultrasonic nondestructive inspection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berry, R. F., Jr. (Inventor)

1985-01-01

A method that provides an impression profile in a reference standard material utilized in inspecting critically stressed components with pulsed ultrasound is described. A die stamp having an I letter is used to impress the surface of a reference material. The die stamp is placed against the surface and struck with an inertia imparting member to impress the I in the reference standard material. Upset may appear on the surface as a result of the impression and is removed to form a smooth surface. The stamping and upset removal is repeated until the entire surface area of a depth control platform on the die stamp uniformly contacts the material surface. The I impression profile in the reference standard material is utilized for reflecting pulsed ultrasonic beams for inspection purposes.

Ultrasonic tomography for in-process measurements of temperature in a multi-phase medium

DOEpatents

Beller, Laurence S.

1993-01-01

A method and apparatus for the in-process measurement of internal particulate temperature utilizing ultrasonic tomography techniques to determine the speed of sound through a specimen material. Ultrasonic pulses are transmitted through a material, which can be a multi-phase material, over known flight paths and the ultrasonic pulse transit times through all sectors of the specimen are measured to determine the speed of sound. The speed of sound being a function of temperature, it is possible to establish the correlation between speed of sound and temperature, throughout a cross-section of the material, which correlation is programmed into a computer to provide for a continuous in-process measurement of temperature throughout the specimen.

Ultrasonic tomography for in-process measurements of temperature in a multi-phase medium

DOEpatents

Beller, L.S.

1993-01-26

A method and apparatus are described for the in-process measurement of internal particulate temperature utilizing ultrasonic tomography techniques to determine the speed of sound through a specimen material. Ultrasonic pulses are transmitted through a material, which can be a multi-phase material, over known flight paths and the ultrasonic pulse transit times through all sectors of the specimen are measured to determine the speed of sound. The speed of sound being a function of temperature, it is possible to establish the correlation between speed of sound and temperature, throughout a cross-section of the material, which correlation is programmed into a computer to provide for a continuous in-process measurement of temperature throughout the specimen.

Color Doppler sonography and angioscintigraphy in hepatic Hodgkin’s lymphoma

PubMed Central

Stojković, Mirjana V; Artiko, Vera M; Radoman, Irena B; Knežević, Slavko J; Lukić, Snezana M; Kerkez, Mirko D; Lekić, Nebojsa S; Antić, Andrija A; Žuvela, Marinko M; Ranković, Vitomir I; Petrović, Milorad N; Šobić, Dragana P; Obradović, Vladimir B

2009-01-01

AIM: To estimate the characteristics of Color Doppler findings and the results of hepatic radionuclide angiography (HRA) in secondary Hodgkin’s hepatic lymphoma. METHODS: The research included patients with a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma with metastatic focal lesions in the liver and controls. Morphologic characteristics of focal liver lesions and hemodynamic parameters were examined by pulsed and Color Doppler in the portal, hepatic and splenic veins were examined. Hepatic perfusion index (HPI) estimated by HRA was calculated. RESULTS: In the majority of patients, hepatomegaly was observed. Lesions were mostly hypoechoic and mixed, solitary or multiple. Some of the patients presented with dilated splenic veins and hepatofugal blood flow. A pulse wave was registered in the centre and at the margins of lymphoma. The average velocity of the pulse wave was higher at the margins (P > 0.05). A continuous venous wave was found only at the margins of lymphoma. There was no linear correlation between lymphoma size and velocity of pulse and continuous wave (r = 390, P < 0.01). HPI was significantly lower in patients with lymphomas than in controls (P < 0.05), pointing out increased arterial perfusion in comparison to portal perfusion. CONCLUSION: Color Doppler ultrasonography is a sensitive method for the detection of neovascularization in Hodgkin’s hepatic lymphoma and estimation of its intensity. Hepatic radionuclide angiography can additionally help in the assesment of vascularisation of liver lesions. PMID:19598303

A program to calculate pulse transmission responses through transversely isotropic media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wei; Schmitt, Douglas R.; Zou, Changchun; Chen, Xiwei

2018-05-01

We provide a program (AOTI2D) to model responses of ultrasonic pulse transmission measurements through arbitrarily oriented transversely isotropic rocks. The program is built with the distributed point source method that treats the transducers as a series of point sources. The response of each point source is calculated according to the ray-tracing theory of elastic plane waves. The program could offer basic wave parameters including phase and group velocities, polarization, anisotropic reflection coefficients and directivity patterns, and model the wave fields, static wave beam, and the observed signals for pulse transmission measurements considering the material's elastic stiffnesses and orientations, sample dimensions, and the size and positions of the transmitters and the receivers. The program could be applied to exhibit the ultrasonic beam behaviors in anisotropic media, such as the skew and diffraction of ultrasonic beams, and analyze its effect on pulse transmission measurements. The program would be a useful tool to help design the experimental configuration and interpret the results of ultrasonic pulse transmission measurements through either isotropic or transversely isotropic rock samples.

A Fiber Optic Doppler Sensor and Its Application in Debonding Detection for Composite Structures

PubMed Central

Li, Fucai; Murayama, Hideaki; Kageyama, Kazuro; Meng, Guang; Ohsawa, Isamu; Shirai, Takehiro

2010-01-01

Debonding is one of the most important damage forms in fiber-reinforced composite structures. This work was devoted to the debonding damage detection of lap splice joints in carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) structures, which is based on guided ultrasonic wave signals captured by using fiber optic Doppler (FOD) sensor with spiral shape. Interferometers based on two types of laser sources, namely the He-Ne laser and the infrared semiconductor laser, are proposed and compared in this study for the purpose of measuring Doppler frequency shift of the FOD sensor. Locations of the FOD sensors are optimized based on mechanical characteristics of lap splice joint. The FOD sensors are subsequently used to detect the guided ultrasonic waves propagating in the CFRP structures. By taking advantage of signal processing approaches, features of the guided wave signals can be revealed. The results demonstrate that debonding in the lap splice joint results in arrival time delay of the first package in the guided wave signals, which can be the characteristic for debonding damage inspection and damage extent estimation. PMID:22219698

A fiber optic Doppler sensor and its application in debonding detection for composite structures.

PubMed

Li, Fucai; Murayama, Hideaki; Kageyama, Kazuro; Meng, Guang; Ohsawa, Isamu; Shirai, Takehiro

2010-01-01

Debonding is one of the most important damage forms in fiber-reinforced composite structures. This work was devoted to the debonding damage detection of lap splice joints in carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) structures, which is based on guided ultrasonic wave signals captured by using fiber optic Doppler (FOD) sensor with spiral shape. Interferometers based on two types of laser sources, namely the He-Ne laser and the infrared semiconductor laser, are proposed and compared in this study for the purpose of measuring Doppler frequency shift of the FOD sensor. Locations of the FOD sensors are optimized based on mechanical characteristics of lap splice joint. The FOD sensors are subsequently used to detect the guided ultrasonic waves propagating in the CFRP structures. By taking advantage of signal processing approaches, features of the guided wave signals can be revealed. The results demonstrate that debonding in the lap splice joint results in arrival time delay of the first package in the guided wave signals, which can be the characteristic for debonding damage inspection and damage extent estimation.

Acoustooptic pulse-echo transducer system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Claus, R. O.; Wade, J. C.

1983-01-01

A pulse-echo transducer system which uses an ultrasonic generating element and an optical detection technique is described. The transmitting transducer consists of a concentric ring electrode pattern deposited on a circular, X-cut quartz substrate with a circular hole in the center. The rings are independently pulsed with a sequence high voltage signals phased in such a way that the ultrasonic waves generated by the separate rings superimpose to produce a composite field which is focused at a controllable distance below the surface of the specimen. The amplitude of the field reflected from this focus position is determined by the local reflection coefficient of the medium at the effective focal point. By processing the signals received for a range of ultrasonic transducer array focal lengths, the system can be used to locate and size anomalies within solids and liquids. Applications in both nondestructive evaluation and biomedical scanning are suggested.

Ultrasonic propulsion of kidney stones.

PubMed

May, Philip C; Bailey, Michael R; Harper, Jonathan D

2016-05-01

Ultrasonic propulsion is a novel technique that uses short bursts of focused ultrasonic pulses to reposition stones transcutaneously within the renal collecting system and ureter. The purpose of this review is to discuss the initial testing of effectiveness and safety, directions for refinement of technique and technology, and opinions on clinical application. Preclinical studies with a range of probes, interfaces, and outputs have demonstrated feasibility and consistent safety of ultrasonic propulsion with room for increased outputs and refinement toward specific applications. Ultrasonic propulsion was used painlessly and without adverse events to reposition stones in 14 of 15 human study participants without restrictions on patient size, stone size, or stone location. The initial feasibility study showed applicability in a range of clinically relevant situations, including facilitating passage of residual fragments following ureteroscopy or shock wave lithotripsy, moving a large stone at the ureteropelvic junction with relief of pain, and differentiating large stones from a collection of small fragments. Ultrasonic propulsion shows promise as an office-based system for transcutaneously repositioning kidney stones. Potential applications include facilitating expulsion of residual fragments following ureteroscopy or shock wave lithotripsy, repositioning stones prior to treatment, and repositioning obstructing ureteropelvic junction stones into the kidney to alleviate acute renal colic.

Ultrasonic propulsion of kidney stones

PubMed Central

May, Philip C.; Bailey, Michael R.; Harper, Jonathan D.

2016-01-01

Purpose of review Ultrasonic propulsion is a novel technique that uses short bursts of focused ultrasonic pulses to reposition stones transcutaneously within the renal collecting system and ureter. The purpose of this review is to discuss the initial testing of effectiveness and safety, directions for refinement of technique and technology, and opinions on clinical application. Recent findings Preclinical studies with a range of probes, interfaces, and outputs have demonstrated feasibility and consistent safety of ultrasonic propulsion with room for increased outputs and refinement toward specific applications. Ultrasonic propulsion was used painlessly and without adverse events to reposition stones in 14 of 15 human study participants without restrictions on patient size, stone size, or stone location. The initial feasibility study showed applicability in a range of clinically relevant situations, including facilitating passage of residual fragments following ureteroscopy or shock wave lithotripsy, moving a large stone at the UPJ with relief of pain, and differentiating large stones from a collection of small fragments. Summary Ultrasonic propulsion shows promise as an office-based system for transcutaneously repositioning kidney stones. Potential applications include facilitating expulsion of residual fragments following ureteroscopy or shock wave lithotripsy, repositioning stones prior to treatment, and repositioning obstructing UPJ stones into the kidney to alleviate acute renal colic. PMID:26845428

Ultrasonic Method for Measuring Internal Temperature Profile in Heated Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ihara, I.; Takahashi, M.

2008-02-01

A new ultrasonic method for internal temperature measurement is presented. The principle of the method is based on temperature dependence of the velocity of the ultrasonic wave propagating through the material. An inverse analysis to determine the temperature profile in a heated material is developed and an experiment is carried out to verify the validity of the developed method. A single side of a silicone rubber plate of 30 mm thickness is heated and ultrasonic pulse-echo measurements are then performed during heating. A change in transit time of ultrasonic wave in the heated rubber plate is monitored and used to determine the transient variation in internal temperature distribution of the rubber. The internal temperature distribution determined ultrasonically agrees well with both obtained using commercial thermocouples installed in the rubber and estimated theoretically.

Compact and Rugged Transceiver for Coherent Doppler Wind Lidar Applications in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kavaya, Michael J.; Koch, Grady J.; Yu, Jirong; Amzajerdian, Farzin; Singh, Upendra N.; Trieu, Bo C.; Modlin, Ed A.; Petros, Mulugeta; Bai, Yingxin; Reithmaier, Karl;

Method for the concurrent ultrasonic inspection of partially completed welds

DOEpatents

Johnson, John A.; Larsen, Eric D.; Miller, Karen S.; Smartt, Herschel B.; McJunkin, Timothy R.

2002-01-01

A method for the concurrent ultrasonic inspection of partially completed welds is disclosed and which includes providing a pair of transducers which are individually positioned on the opposite sides of a partially completed weld to be inspected; moving the transducers along the length of and laterally inwardly and outwardly relative to the partially completed weld; pulsing the respective transducers to produce an ultrasonic signal which passes through or is reflected from the partially completed weld; receiving from the respective transducers ultrasonic signals which pass through or are reflected from the partially completed welds; and analyzing the ultrasonic signal which has passed through or is reflected from the partially completed weld to determine the presence of any weld defects.

Ultrasonic detection of plate cracks in railway wheels

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-07-31

The results of experimental efforts established the feasibility of the detection of railway wheel plate cracks by an ultrasonic pulse echo testing technique from the tread surface. Feasibility and test sensitivities were established using artificial ...

Measurement of intergranular attack in stainless steel using ultrasonic energy

DOEpatents

Mott, Gerry; Attaar, Mustan; Rishel, Rick D.

1989-08-08

Ultrasonic test methods are used to measure the depth of intergranular attack (IGA) in a stainless steel specimen. The ultrasonic test methods include a pitch-catch surface wave technique and a through-wall pulse-echo technique. When used in combination, these techniques can establish the extent of IGA on both the front and back surfaces of a stainless steel specimen from measurements made on only one surface.

Estimation of physiological sub-millimeter displacement with CW Doppler radar.

PubMed

Jia Xu; Xiaomeng Gao; Padasdao, Bryson E; Boric-Lubecke, Olga

2015-01-01

Doppler radar physiological sensing has been studied for non-contact detection of vital signs including respiratory and heartbeat rates. This paper presents the first micrometer resolution Wi-Fi band Doppler radar for sub-millimeter physiological displacement measurement. A continuous-wave Doppler radar working at 2.4GHz is used for the measurement. It is intended for estimating small displacements on the body surface resulting from physiological activity. A mechanical mover was used as target, and programmed to conduct sinusoidal motions to simulate pulse motions. Measured displacements were compared with a reference system, which indicates a superior performance in accuracy for having absolute errors less than 10μm, and relative errors below 4%. It indicates the feasibility of highly accurate non-contact monitoring of physiological movements using Doppler radar.

LASER BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE: Arterial pulse shape measurement using self-mixing effect in a diode laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hast, J.; Myllylä, Risto; Sorvoja, H.; Miettinen, J.

2002-11-01

The self-mixing effect in a diode laser and the Doppler technique are used for quantitative measurements of the cardiovascular pulses from radial arteries of human individuals. 738 cardiovascular pulses from 10 healthy volunteers were studied. The Doppler spectrograms reconstructed from the Doppler signal, which is measured from the radial displacement of the radial artery, are compared to the first derivative of the blood pressure signals measured from the middle finger by the Penaz technique. The mean correlation coefficient between the Doppler spectrograms and the first derivative of the blood pressure signals was 0.84, with a standard deviation of 0.05. Pulses with the correlation coefficient less than 0.7 were neglected in the study. Percentage of successfully detected pulses was 95.7%. It is shown that cardiovascular pulse shape from the radial artery can be measured noninvasively by using the self-mixing interferometry.

Ultrasonic pulse velocity for the evaluation of physical and mechanical properties of a highly porous building limestone.

PubMed

Vasanelli, Emilia; Colangiuli, Donato; Calia, Angela; Sileo, Maria; Aiello, Maria Antonietta

2015-07-01

UPV as non-destructive technique can effectively contribute to the low invasive in situ analysis and diagnosis of masonry elements related to the conservation, rehabilitation and strengthening of the built heritage. The use of non-destructive and non-invasive techniques brings all the times many advantages in diagnostic activities on pre-existing buildings in terms of sustainability; moreover, it is a strong necessity with respect to the conservation constraints when dealing with the historical-architectural heritage. In this work laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the effectiveness of ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) in evaluating physical and mechanical properties of Lecce stone, a soft and porous building limestone. UPV and selected physical-mechanical parameters such as density and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) were determined. Factors such as anisotropy and water presence that induce variations on the ultrasonic velocity were also assessed. Correlations between the analysed parameters are presented and discussed. The presence of water greatly affected the values of the analysed parameters, leading to a decrease of UPV and to a strong reduction of the compressive strength. A discussion of the role of the water on these results is provided. Regression analysis showed a reliable linear correlation between UPV and compressive strength, which allows a reasonable estimation of the strength of Lecce stone by means of non-destructive testing methods such as the ultrasonic wave velocity. Low correlation between UPV and density was found, suggesting that other factors than density, related to the fabric and composition, also influence the response of the selected stone to the UPV. They have no influence on the UCS, that instead showed to be highly correlated with the packing density. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Effect of metabolic uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) on the resistance index of renal (IR) Interlobar arteries assessed with pulsed Doppler].

PubMed

Muraira-Cárdenas, Luis Cesar; Barrios-Pérez, Martín

2016-01-01

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic degenerative disease characterized by elevated hyperglycemia, triggering a series of processes and culminating in chronic, uncontrolled, cellular and vascular damage in different organs. To assess whether the elevated glycosylated hemoglobin, microalbuminuria, and the time evolution of more than 10 years of diabetes mellitus are associated with elevated resistance index of the interlobar renal arteries assessed with pulsed Doppler in patients with metabolic uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Transversal-analytical, observational, prospective study that included diabetic patients attending UMAE abdominal ultrasound in 25 of IMSS, from October 15, 2014 to November 15, 2014, which was performed for pulsed Doppler index resistance of vascular interlobar renal arteries and was collected from electronic medical records: age, sex, glycated hemoglobin, and microalbuminuria. The association between metabolic uncontrolled diabetes mellitus was analyzed with the elevation of resistance index by χ(2) test or Fisher, being significant with a value of p < 0.05, and to assess the magnitude of the association that was measured with a response magnitude of 95%. 63 patients with type 2 diabetes were examined, with an average age of 52.3 ± 14.2 years, 41 were older than 50 years (65.0%), 26 with hypertension (41.2%), 32 with higher levels of glycated hemoglobin 7 (50.8%), 35 with normoalbuminuria (55.6%), 28 with microalbuminuria (44.4%), and 39 with a time evolution of diabetes of more than 10 years (61.9%). We observed a statistically significant difference between microalbuminuria and increased duration of diabetes mellitus with high resistance index. The alterations in renal microvasculature conditioned by the occurrence of microalbuminuria in diabetic nephropathy and the duration of diabetes are strongly associated with higher resistance index.

Pulse based sensor networking using mechanical waves through metal substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenz, S.; Dong, B.; Huo, Q.; Tomlinson, W. J.; Biswas, S.

2013-05-01

This paper presents a novel wireless sensor networking technique using ultrasonic signal as the carrier wave for binary data exchange. Using the properties of lamb wave propagation through metal substrates, the proposed network structure can be used for runtime transport of structural fault information to ultrasound access points. Primary applications of the proposed sensor networking technique will include conveying fault information on an aircraft wing or on a bridge to an ultrasonic access point using ultrasonic wave through the structure itself (i.e. wing or bridge). Once a fault event has been detected, a mechanical pulse is forwarded to the access node using shortest path multi-hop ultrasonic pulse routing. The advantages of mechanical waves over traditional radio transmission using pulses are the following: First, unlike radio frequency, surface acoustic waves are not detectable outside the medium, which increases the inherent security for sensitive environments in respect to tapping. Second, event detection can be represented by the injection of a single mechanical pulse at a specific temporal position, whereas radio messages usually take several bits. The contributions of this paper are: 1) Development of a transceiver for transmitting/receiving ultrasound pulses with a pulse loss rate below 2·10-5 and false positive rate with an upper bound of 2·10-4. 2) A novel one-hop distance estimation based on the properties of lamb wave propagation with an accuracy of above 80%. 3) Implementation of a wireless sensor network using mechanical wave propagation for event detection on a 2024 aluminum alloy commonly used for aircraft skin construction.

Integrated ultrasonic and petrographical characterization of carbonate building materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ligas, Paola; Fais, Silvana; Cuccuru, Francesco

2014-05-01

This paper presents the application of non-destructive ultrasonic techniques in evaluating the conservation state and quality of monumental carbonate building materials. Ultrasonic methods are very effective in detecting the elastic characteristics of the materials and thus their mechanical behaviour. They are non-destructive and effective both for site and laboratory tests, though it should be pointed out that ultrasonic data interpretation is extremely complex, since elastic wave velocity heavily depends on moisture, heterogeneity, porosity and other physical properties of the materials. In our study, considering both the nature of the building materials and the constructive types of the investigated monuments, the ultrasonic investigation was carried out in low frequency ultrasonic range (24 kHz - 54 kHz) with the aim of detecting damages and degradation zones and assessing the alterability of the investigated stones by studying the propagation of the longitudinal ultrasonic pulses. In fact alterations in the materials generally cause a decrease in longitudinal pulse velocity values. Therefore starting from longitudinal velocity values the elasto-mechanical behaviour of the stone materials can be deduced. To this aim empirical and effective relations between longitudinal velocity and mechanical properties of the rocks can be used, by transferring the fundamental concepts of the studies of reservoir rocks in the framework of hydrocarbon research to the diagnostic process on stone materials. The ultrasonic measurements were performed both in laboratory and in situ using the Portable Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Digital Indicating Tester (PUNDIT) by C.N.S. Electronics LTD. A number of experimental sessions were carried out choosing different modalities of data acquisition. On the basis of the results of the laboratory measurements, an in situ ultrasonic survey on significant monuments, have been carried out. The ultrasonic measurements were integrated by a

3-D ultrafast Doppler imaging applied to the noninvasive mapping of blood vessels in vivo.

PubMed

Provost, Jean; Papadacci, Clement; Demene, Charlie; Gennisson, Jean-Luc; Tanter, Mickael; Pernot, Mathieu

2015-08-01

Ultrafast Doppler imaging was introduced as a technique to quantify blood flow in an entire 2-D field of view, expanding the field of application of ultrasound imaging to the highly sensitive anatomical and functional mapping of blood vessels. We have recently developed 3-D ultrafast ultrasound imaging, a technique that can produce thousands of ultrasound volumes per second, based on a 3-D plane and diverging wave emissions, and demonstrated its clinical feasibility in human subjects in vivo. In this study, we show that noninvasive 3-D ultrafast power Doppler, pulsed Doppler, and color Doppler imaging can be used to perform imaging of blood vessels in humans when using coherent compounding of 3-D tilted plane waves. A customized, programmable, 1024-channel ultrasound system was designed to perform 3-D ultrafast imaging. Using a 32 × 32, 3-MHz matrix phased array (Vermon, Tours, France), volumes were beamformed by coherently compounding successive tilted plane wave emissions. Doppler processing was then applied in a voxel-wise fashion. The proof of principle of 3-D ultrafast power Doppler imaging was first performed by imaging Tygon tubes of various diameters, and in vivo feasibility was demonstrated by imaging small vessels in the human thyroid. Simultaneous 3-D color and pulsed Doppler imaging using compounded emissions were also applied in the carotid artery and the jugular vein in one healthy volunteer.

Electromagnetic stimulation of the ultrasonic signal for nondestructive detection of the ferromagnetic inclusions and flaws

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finkel, Peter

2007-03-01

It was recently shown that thermal or optical stimulation can be used to increase sensitivity of the conventional nondestructive ultrasonic detection of the small crack, flaws and inclusions in a ferromagnetic thin-walled parts. We proposed another method based on electromagnetic modulation of the ultrasonic scattered signal from the inclusions or defects. The electromagnetically induced high density current pulse produces stresses which alter the ultrasonic waves scanning the part with the defect and modulate ultrasonic signal. The excited electromagnetic field can produces crack-opening due to Lorentz forces that increase the ultrasonic reflection. The Joule heating associated with the high density current, and consequent thermal stresses may cause both crack-closure, as well as crack-opening, depending on various factors. Experimental data is presented here for the case of a small cracks near small holes in thin-walled structures. The measurements were taken at 2-10 MHz with a Lamb wave wedge transducer. It is shown that electromagnetic transient modulation of the ultrasonic echo pulse tone-burst suggest that this method could be used to enhance detection of small cracks and ferromagnetic inclusions in thin walled metallic structures.

Servomechanism for Doppler shift compensation in optical correlator for synthetic aperture radar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Constaninides, N. J.; Bicknell, T. J. (Inventor)

1980-01-01

A method and apparatus for correcting Doppler shifts in synthetic aperture radar data is described. An optical correlator for synthetic aperture radar data has a means for directing a laser beam at a signal film having radar return pulse intensity information recorded on it. A resultant laser beam passes through a range telescope, an azimuth telescope, and a Fourier transform filter located between the range and azimuth telescopes, and forms an image for recording on an image film. A compensation means for Doppler shift in the radar return pulse intensity information includes a beam splitter for reflecting the modulated laser beam, after having passed through the Fourier transform filter, to a detection screen having two photodiodes mounted on it.

Pulse Doppler ultrasound as a tool for the diagnosis of chronic testicular dysfunction in stallions

PubMed Central

Ortiz-Rodriguez, Jose M.; Anel-Lopez, Luis; Martín-Muñoz, Patricia; Álvarez, Mercedes; Gaitskell-Phillips, Gemma; Anel, Luis; Rodríguez-Medina, Pedro; Peña, Fernando J.

2017-01-01

Testicular function is particularly susceptible to vascular insult, resulting in a negative impact on sperm production and quality of the ejaculate. A prompt diagnosis of testicular dysfunction enables implementation of appropriate treatment, hence improving fertility forecasts for stallions. The present research aims to: (1) assess if Doppler ultrasonography is a good tool to diagnose stallions with testicular dysfunction; (2) to study the relationship between Doppler parameters of the testicular artery and those of sperm quality assessed by flow cytometry and (3) to establish cut off values to differentiate fertile stallions from those with pathologies causing testicular dysfunction. A total of 10 stallions (n: 7 healthy stallions and n: 3 sub-fertile stallions) were used in this study. Two ejaculates per stallion were collected and preserved at 5°C in a commercial extender. The semen was evaluated at T0, T24 and T48h by flow cytometry. Integrity and viability of sperm (YoPro®-1/EthD-1), mitochondrial activity (MitoTracker® Deep Red FM) and the DNA fragmentation index (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay) were assessed. Doppler parameters were measured at three different locations on the testicular artery (Supratesticular artery (SA); Capsular artery (CA) and Intratesticular artery (IA)). The Doppler parameters calculated were: Resistive Index (RI), Pulsatility Index (PI), Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), End Diastolic Velocity (EDV), Time Average Maximum Velocity (TAMV), Total Arterial Blood Flow (TABF) and TABF rate. The capsular artery was the most reliable location to carry out spectral Doppler assessment, since blood flow parameters of this artery were most closely correlated with sperm quality parameters. Significant differences in all the Doppler parameters studied were observed between fertile and subfertile stallions (p ≤ 0.05). The principal components analysis assay determined that fertile stallions are characterized by high EDV, TAMV, TABF and TABF rate

Development of Multiple-Frequency Ultrasonic Imaging System Using Multiple Resonance Piezoelectric Transducer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akiyama, Iwaki; Yoshizumi, Natsuki; Saito, Shigemi; Wada, Yuji; Koyama, Daisuke; Nakamura, Kentaro

2012-07-01

The authors have developed a multiple frequency imaging system using a multiple resonance transducer (MRT) consisting of 1-3 composite materials with a low mechanical quality factor Q bonded together. The MRT has a structure consisting of thin and thick piezoelectric plates, two matching layers, and a backing layer. This makes it possible to obtain B-mode images of satisfactory resolution using ultrasonic pulses owing to their short duration. In this paper, the vibration property of the MRT derived through equivalent-circuit analysis is first shown. By utilizing the result, an MRT capable of transmitting ultrasonic pulses for generation of the images of biological tissues with satisfactory resolution is designed and prototyped. Setting the prototype transducer in the mechanical sector probe of commercial ultrasonic diagnosis equipment, the speckle reduction effect is demonstrated using images of various phantoms to mimic biological tissues and a human thyroid.

Effects of implanted Doppler flowmeters on femoral vein autografts.

PubMed Central

Michie, D D; Cowan, D F; Cain, C P; Bell, C C

1976-01-01

Thirteen femoral vein autografts were placed into the corresponding ipsilateral femoral arteries of 8 mongrel dogs. Cuff-type Doppler (ultrasonic) flowmeters were placed around six of the grafts. None of the vessels thrombosed. Blood flow velocities were measured in all vessels up until the time of sacrifice (mean 95 +/- 5 days after surgery) or accidental death (one dog, 49 days after surgery). The only case of graft failure was attributed to infection at the flowmeter site. With this single exception, the vein grafts exhibited uniformity in histological appearance from dog to dog. These data suggest that implantation of properly designed Doppler flow transducers may have clinical applications. This technique permits continuous or intermittent assessment of blood flow characteristics through a graft without additional trauma or cost to the patient. It is free of the many inherent disadvantages of chronically implanted electromagnetic flowmeters and may negate the need in some instances for followup angiographic studies. Images Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 3. PMID:130843

Wind Measurements with High Energy 2 Micron Coherent Doppler Lidar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, Bruce W.; Koch, Grady J.; Petros, Mulugeta; Beyon, Jeffrey Y.; Amzajerdian, Farzin; Yu, Ji-Rong; Kavaya, Michael J.; Singh, Upendra N.

2004-01-01

A coherent Doppler lidar based on an injection seeded Ho:Tm:YLF pulsed laser was developed for wind measurements. A transmitted pulse energy over 75 mJ at 5 Hz repetition rate has been demonstrated. Designs are presented on the laser, injection seeding, receiver, and signal processing subsystems. Sample data of atmospheric measurements are presented including a wind profile extending from the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) to the free troposphere.

Numerical and Experimental Characterization of a Composite Secondary Bonded Adhesive Lap Joint Using the Ultrasonics method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, M. R.; Ghosh, A.; Karuppannan, D.

2018-05-01

The construction of aircraft using advanced composites have become very popular during the past two decades, in which many innovative manufacturing processes, such as cocuring, cobonding, and secondary bonding processes, have been adopted. The secondary bonding process has become less popular than the other two ones because of nonavailability of process database and certification issues. In this article, an attempt is made to classify the quality of bonding using nondestructive ultrasonic inspection methods. Specimens were prepared and tested using the nondestructive ultrasonic Through Transmission (TT), Pulse Echo (PE), and air coupled guided wave techniques. It is concluded that the ultrasonic pulse echo technique is the best one for inspecting composite secondary bonded adhesive joints.

An Ultrasonic Contactless Sensor for Breathing Monitoring

PubMed Central

Arlotto, Philippe; Grimaldi, Michel; Naeck, Roomila; Ginoux, Jean-Marc

2014-01-01

The monitoring of human breathing activity during a long period has multiple fundamental applications in medicine. In breathing sleep disorders such as apnea, the diagnosis is based on events during which the person stops breathing for several periods during sleep. In polysomnography, the standard for sleep disordered breathing analysis, chest movement and airflow are used to monitor the respiratory activity. However, this method has serious drawbacks. Indeed, as the subject should sleep overnight in a laboratory and because of sensors being in direct contact with him, artifacts modifying sleep quality are often observed. This work investigates an analysis of the viability of an ultrasonic device to quantify the breathing activity, without contact and without any perception by the subject. Based on a low power ultrasonic active source and transducer, the device measures the frequency shift produced by the velocity difference between the exhaled air flow and the ambient environment, i.e., the Doppler effect. After acquisition and digitization, a specific signal processing is applied to separate the effects of breath from those due to subject movements from the Doppler signal. The distance between the source and the sensor, about 50 cm, and the use of ultrasound frequency well above audible frequencies, 40 kHz, allow monitoring the breathing activity without any perception by the subject, and therefore without any modification of the sleep quality which is very important for sleep disorders diagnostic applications. This work is patented (patent pending 2013-7-31 number FR.13/57569). PMID:25140632

Design of a Smart Ultrasonic Transducer for Interconnecting Machine Applications

PubMed Central

Yan, Tian-Hong; Wang, Wei; Chen, Xue-Dong; Li, Qing; Xu, Chang

2009-01-01

A high-frequency ultrasonic transducer for copper or gold wire bonding has been designed, analyzed, prototyped and tested. Modeling techniques were used in the design phase and a practical design procedure was established and used. The transducer was decomposed into its elementary components. For each component, an initial design was obtained with simulations using a finite elements model (FEM). Simulated ultrasonic modules were built and characterized experimentally through the Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) and electrical resonance spectra. Compared with experimental data, the FEM could be iteratively adjusted and updated. Having achieved a remarkably highly-predictive FEM of the whole transducer, the design parameters could be tuned for the desired applications, then the transducer is fixed on the wire bonder with a complete holder clamping was calculated by the FEM. The approach to mount ultrasonic transducers on wire bonding machines also is of major importance for wire bonding in modern electronic packaging. The presented method can lead to obtaining a nearly complete decoupling clamper design of the transducer to the wire bonder. PMID:22408564

Assessment of left atrial appendage function by transthoracic pulsed Doppler echocardiography: Comparing against transesophageal interrogation and predicting echocardiographic risk factors for stroke.

PubMed

Wai, Shin Hnin; Kyu, Kyu; Galupo, Mary Joyce; Songco, Geronica G; Kong, William K F; Lee, Chi Hang; Yeo, Tiong Cheng; Poh, Kian Keong

2017-10-01

Transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) findings of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus, spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), and LAA dysfunction are established risk factors of cardioembolic stroke. The semi-invasive nature of TEE limits its utility as a routine risk stratification tool. We aim to correlate TEE and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) pulsed Doppler measurements of LAA flow velocities and use TTE measurements to predict TEE findings. We prospectively measured pulsed Doppler LAA flow velocities in 103 consecutive patients on TEE and TTE. There was a strong correlation between TEE and TTE LAA emptying velocity (LAA E) (r = .88, P < .001) and a moderate correlation between LAA filling velocities (r = .50, P < .001). TTE LAA E predicted the presence of thrombus or SEC independent of atrial fibrillation (AF). To predict the presence of thrombus or SEC, the optimal TTE LAA E cutoff was ≤30 cm/s in all patients (75% sensitive, 90% specific) and ≤31 cm/s in AF patients (80% sensitive, 79% specific). To predict LAA dysfunction (TEE E ≤ 20 cm/s), the optimal TTE LAA E cutoff was ≤27 cm/s (100% sensitive, 89% specific in all patients and 100% sensitive, 74% specific in AF patients). TTE assessment of LAA function is feasible and correlates well with the more invasive TEE method. It predicts the presence of thrombus, SEC, and LAA dysfunction on TEE. TTE LAA assessment has incremental value in thromboembolic risk stratification and should be utilized more frequently. © 2017, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The relationship between human placental morphometry and ultrasonic measurements of utero-placental blood flow and fetal growth.

PubMed

Salavati, N; Sovio, U; Mayo, R Plitman; Charnock-Jones, D S; Smith, G C S

2016-02-01

Ultrasonic fetal biometry and arterial Doppler flow velocimetry are widely used to assess the risk of pregnancy complications. There is an extensive literature on the relationship between pregnancy outcomes and the size and shape of the placenta. However, ultrasonic fetal biometry and arterial Doppler flow velocimetry have not previously been studied in relation to postnatal placental morphometry in detail. We conducted a prospective cohort study of nulliparous women in The Rosie Hospital, Cambridge (UK). We studied a group of 2120 women who had complete data on uterine and umbilical Doppler velocimetry and fetal biometry at 20, 28 and 36 weeks' gestational age, digital images of the placenta available, and delivered a liveborn infant at term. Associations were expressed as the difference in the standard deviation (SD) score of the gestational age adjusted ultrasound measurement (z-score) comparing the lowest and highest decile of the given placental morphometric measurement. The lowest decile of placental surface area was associated with 0.87 SD higher uterine artery Doppler mean pulsatility index (PI) at 20 weeks (95% CI: 0.68 to 1.07, P < 0.001). The lowest decile of placental weight was associated with 0.73 SD higher umbilical artery Doppler PI at 36 weeks (95% CI: 0.54 to 0.93, P < 0.001). The lowest decile of both placental weight and placental area were associated with reduced growth velocity of the fetal abdominal circumference between 20 and 36 weeks (both P < 0.001). Placental area and weight are associated with uterine and umbilical blood flow, respectively, and both are associated with fetal growth rate. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pulse-Echo Phased Array Ultrasonic Inspection of Pultruded Rod Stitched Efficient Unitized Structure (PRSEUS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, Pat H.

2010-01-01

A PRSEUS test article was subjected to controlled impact on the skin face followed by static and cyclic axial compressions. Phased array ultrasonic inspection was conducted before impact, and after each of the test conditions. A linear phased array probe with a manual X-Y scanner was used for interrogation. Ultrasound showed a delamination between the skin and stringer flange adjacent to the impact. As designed, the stitching in the flange arrested the lateral flaw formation. Subsequent ultrasonic data showed no delamination growth due to continued loading. Keywords: Phased Array, Ultrasonics, Composites, Out-of-Autoclave

Doppler Feature Based Classification of Wind Profiler Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinha, Swati; Chandrasekhar Sarma, T. V.; Lourde. R, Mary

2017-01-01

Wind Profilers (WP) are coherent pulsed Doppler radars in UHF and VHF bands. They are used for vertical profiling of wind velocity and direction. This information is very useful for weather modeling, study of climatic patterns and weather prediction. Observations at different height and different wind velocities are possible by changing the operating parameters of WP. A set of Doppler power spectra is the standard form of WP data. Wind velocity, direction and wind velocity turbulence at different heights can be derived from it. Modern wind profilers operate for long duration and generate approximately 4 megabytes of data per hour. The radar data stream contains Doppler power spectra from different radar configurations with echoes from different atmospheric targets. In order to facilitate systematic study, this data needs to be segregated according the type of target. A reliable automated target classification technique is required to do this job. Classical techniques of radar target identification use pattern matching and minimization of mean squared error, Euclidean distance etc. These techniques are not effective for the classification of WP echoes, as these targets do not have well-defined signature in Doppler power spectra. This paper presents an effective target classification technique based on range-Doppler features.

Bulk ultrasonic NDE of metallic components at high temperature using magnetostrictive transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashish, Antony Jacob; Rajagopal, Prabhu; Balasubramaniam, Krishnan; Kumar, Anish; Rao, B. Purnachandra; Jayakumar, Tammana

2017-02-01

Online ultrasonic NDE at high-temperature is of much interest to the power, process and automotive industries in view of possible savings in downtime. This paper describes a novel approach to developing ultrasonic transducers capable of high-temperature in-situ operation using the principle of magnetostriction. Preliminary design from previous research by the authors [1] is extended for operation at 1 MHz, and at elevated temperatures by amorphous metallic strips as the magnetostrictive core. Ultrasonic signals in pulse-echo mode are experimentally obtained from the ultrasonic transducer thus developed, in a simulated high-temperature environment of 350 °C for 10 hours. Advantages and challenges for practical deployment of this approach are discussed.

Ultrasonic measurements of surface defects on flexible circuits using high-frequency focused polymer transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagle, Sanat; Habib, Anowarul; Melandsø, Frank

2017-07-01

High-frequency transducers made from a layer-by-layer deposition method are investigated as transducers for ultrasonic imaging. Prototypes of adhesive-free transducers with four active elements were made on a high-performance poly(ether imide) substrate with precision milled spherical cavities used to produce focused ultrasonic beams. The transducer prototypes were characterized using a pulse-echo experimental setup in a water tank using a glass plate as a reflector. Then, transducer was used in a three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning tank, to produce high-resolution ultrasonic images of flexible electronic circuits with the aim to detect defects in the outermost cover layer.

Tissue Doppler Imaging in the evaluation of abdominal aortic pulsatility: a useful tool for the neonatologist.

PubMed

Valerio, Enrico; Grison, Alessandra; Capretta, Anna; Golin, Rosanna; Ferrarese, Paola; Bellettato, Massimo

2017-03-01

Sonographic cardiac evaluation of newborns with suspected aortic coarctation (AoC) should tend to demonstrate a good phasic and pulsatile flow and the absence of pressure gradient along a normally conformed aortic arch from the modified left parasternal and suprasternal echocardiographic views; these findings, however, may not necessarily rule out a more distal coarctation in the descending aorta. For this reason, the sonographic exam of newborns with suspected AoC should always include a Doppler evaluation of abdominal aortic blood flow from the subcostal view. Occasionally, however, a clearly pulsatile Doppler flow trace in abdominal aorta may be difficult to obtain due to the bad insonation angle existing between the probe and the vessel. In such suboptimal ultrasonic alignment situation, the use of Tissue Doppler Imaging instead of classic Doppler flow imaging may reveal a preserved aortic pulsatility by sampling the aortic wall motion induced by normal flow. We propose to take advantage of the TDI pattern as a surrogate of a normal pulsatile Doppler flow trace in abdominal aorta when the latter is difficult to obtain due to malalignment with the insonated vessel.

Ultrasonic flow measurements for irrigation process monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziani, Elmostafa; Bennouna, Mustapha; Boissier, Raymond

2004-02-01

This paper presents the state of the art of the general principle of liquid flow measurements by ultrasonic method, and problems of flow measurements. We present an ultrasonic flowmeter designed according to smart sensors concept, for the measurement of irrigation water flowing through pipelines or open channels, using the ultrasonic transit time approach. The new flowmeter works on the principle of measuring time delay differences between sound pulses transmitted upstream and downstream in the flowing liquid. The speed of sound in the flowing medium is eliminated as a variable because the flowrate calculations are based on the reciprocals of the transmission times. The transit time difference is digitally measured by means of a suitable, microprocessor controlled logic. This type of ultrasonic flowmeter will be widely used in industry and water management, it is well studied in this work, followed by some experimental results. For pressurized channels, we use one pair of ultrasonic transducer arranged in proper positions and directions of the pipe, in this case, to determine the liquid velocity, a real time on-line analysis taking account the geometries of the hydraulic system, is applied to the obtained ultrasonic data. In the open channels, we use a single or two pairs of ultrasonic emitter-receiver according to the desired performances. Finally, the goals of this work consist in integrating the smart sensor into irrigation systems monitoring in order to evaluate potential advantages and demonstrate their performance, on the other hand, to understand and use ultrasonic approach for determining flow characteristics and improving flow measurements by reducing errors caused by disturbances of the flow profiles.

Coronary CT Angiography Incorporating Doppler-Guided Prospective ECG Gating in Patients with High Heart Rate: Comparison with Results of Traditional Prospective ECG Gating

PubMed Central

Li, Min; Yu, Bing-bing; Wu, Jian-hua; Xu, Lin; Sun, Gang

2013-01-01

Purpose As Doppler ultrasound has been proven to be an effective tool to predict and compress the optimal pulsing windows, we evaluated the effective dose and diagnostic accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CTA) incorporating Doppler-guided prospective electrocardiograph (ECG) gating, which presets pulsing windows according to Doppler analysis, in patients with a heart rate >65 bpm. Materials and Methods 119 patients with a heart rate >65 bpm who were scheduled for invasive coronary angiography were prospectively studied, and patients were randomly divided into traditional prospective (n = 61) and Doppler-guided prospective (n = 58) ECG gating groups. The exposure window of traditional prospective ECG gating was set at 30%–80% of the cardiac cycle. For the Doppler group, the length of diastasis was analyzed by Doppler. For lengths greater than 90 ms, the pulsing window was preset during diastole (during 60%–80%); otherwise, the optimal pulsing intervals were moved from diastole to systole (during 30%–50%). Results The mean heart rates of the traditional ECG and the Doppler-guided group during CT scanning were 75.0±7.7 bpm (range, 66–96 bpm) and 76.5±5.4 bpm (range: 66–105 bpm), respectively. The results indicated that whereas the image quality showed no significant difference between the traditional and Doppler groups (P = 0.42), the radiation dose of the Doppler group was significantly lower than that of the traditional group (5.2±3.4mSv vs. 9.3±4.5mSv, P<0.001). The sensitivities of CTA applying traditional and Doppler-guided prospective ECG gating to diagnose stenosis on a segment level were 95.5% and 94.3%, respectively; specificities 98.0% and 97.1%, respectively; positive predictive values 90.7% and 88.2%, respectively; negative predictive values 99.0% and 98.7%, respectively. There was no statistical difference in concordance between the traditional and Doppler groups (P = 0.22). Conclusion Doppler-guided prospective ECG gating

Method for ambiguity resolution in range-Doppler measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heymsfield, Gerald M. (Inventor); Miller, Lee S. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

A method for resolving range and Doppler target ambiguities when the target has substantial range or has a high relative velocity in which a first signal is generated and a second signal is also generated which is coherent with the first signal but at a slightly different frequency such that there exists a difference in frequency between these two signals of Delta f(sub t). The first and second signals are converted into a dual-frequency pulsed signal, amplified, and the dual-frequency pulsed signal is transmitted towards a target. A reflected dual-frequency signal is received from the target, amplified, and changed to an intermediate dual-frequency signal. The intermediate dual-frequency signal is amplified, with extracting of a shifted difference frequency Delta f(sub r) from the amplified intermediate dual-frequency signal done by a nonlinear detector. The final step is generating two quadrature signals from the difference frequency Delta f(sub t) and the shifted difference frequency Delta f(sub r) and processing the two quadrature signals to determine range and Doppler information of the target.

3-D Ultrafast Doppler Imaging Applied to the Noninvasive and Quantitative Imaging of Blood Vessels in Vivo

PubMed Central

Provost, J.; Papadacci, C.; Demene, C.; Gennisson, J-L.; Tanter, M.; Pernot, M.

2016-01-01

Ultrafast Doppler Imaging was introduced as a technique to quantify blood flow in an entire 2-D field of view, expanding the field of application of ultrasound imaging to the highly sensitive anatomical and functional mapping of blood vessels. We have recently developed 3-D Ultrafast Ultrasound Imaging, a technique that can produce thousands of ultrasound volumes per second, based on three-dimensional plane and diverging wave emissions, and demonstrated its clinical feasibility in human subjects in vivo. In this study, we show that non-invasive 3-D Ultrafast Power Doppler, Pulsed Doppler, and Color Doppler Imaging can be used to perform quantitative imaging of blood vessels in humans when using coherent compounding of three-dimensional tilted plane waves. A customized, programmable, 1024-channel ultrasound system was designed to perform 3-D Ultrafast Imaging. Using a 32X32, 3-MHz matrix phased array (Vermon, France), volumes were beamformed by coherently compounding successive tilted plane wave emissions. Doppler processing was then applied in a voxel-wise fashion. 3-D Ultrafast Power Doppler Imaging was first validated by imaging Tygon tubes of varying diameter and its in vivo feasibility was demonstrated by imaging small vessels in the human thyroid. Simultaneous 3-D Color and Pulsed Doppler Imaging using compounded emissions were also applied in the carotid artery and the jugular vein in one healthy volunteer. PMID:26276956

High-speed biometrics ultrasonic system for 3D fingerprint imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maev, Roman G.; Severin, Fedar

2012-10-01

The objective of this research is to develop a new robust fingerprint identification technology based upon forming surface-subsurface (under skin) ultrasonic 3D images of the finger pads. The presented work aims to create specialized ultrasonic scanning methods for biometric purposes. Preliminary research has demonstrated the applicability of acoustic microscopy for fingerprint reading. The additional information from internal skin layers and dermis structures contained in the scan can essentially improve confidence in the identification. Advantages of this system include high resolution and quick scanning time. Operating in pulse-echo mode provides spatial resolution up to 0.05 mm. Technology advantages of the proposed technology are the following: • Full-range scanning of the fingerprint area "nail to nail" (2.5 x 2.5 cm) can be done in less than 5 sec with a resolution of up to 1000 dpi. • Collection of information about the in-depth structure of the fingerprint realized by the set of spherically focused 50 MHz acoustic lens provide the resolution ~ 0.05 mm or better • In addition to fingerprints, this technology can identify sweat porous at the surface and under the skin • No sensitivity to the contamination of the finger's surface • Detection of blood velocity using Doppler effect can be implemented to distinguish living specimens • Utilization as polygraph device • Simple connectivity to fingerprint databases obtained with other techniques • The digitally interpolated images can then be enhanced allowing for greater resolution • Method can be applied to fingernails and underlying tissues, providing more information • A laboratory prototype of the biometrics system based on these described principles was designed, built and tested. It is the first step toward a practical implementation of this technique.

Helium Bottle Pressure Measurement by Portable Ultrasonic Technique

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-02-07

revision extends the study to include EMI testing, and -develorynent of g Rrotgtype tester . The Contractor shall: 1. Perform EMI test of ultrasonic eq...amp/1 watt power ap- plied to the bridgerires. The tester pulse of 250 volts for 100 ns at 1500 pps has an average value of 250v x 100ns x 1500pps...34 connector. Mount transducer in fixture and connect transducer to cable microdot connector. 5. Pulse-Echo transit time measurement: Assure that the

Statistical analysis of ultrasonic measurements in concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiang, Chih-Hung; Chen, Po-Chih

2002-05-01

Stress wave techniques such as measurements of ultrasonic pulse velocity are often used to evaluate concrete quality in structures. For proper interpretation of measurement results, the dependence of pulse transit time on the average acoustic impedance and the material homogeneity along the sound path need to be examined. Semi-direct measurement of pulse velocity could be more convenient than through transmission measurement. It is not necessary to assess both sides of concrete floors or walls. A novel measurement scheme is proposed and verified based on statistical analysis. It is shown that Semi-direct measurements are very effective for gathering large amount of pulse velocity data from concrete reference specimens. The variability of measurements is comparable with that reported by American Concrete Institute using either break-off or pullout tests.

Spatially Resolved MR-Compatible Doppler Ultrasound: Proof of Concept for Triggering of Diagnostic Quality Cardiovascular MRI for Function and Flow Quantification at 3T.

PubMed

Crowe, Lindsey Alexandra; Manasseh, Gibran; Chmielewski, Aneta; Hachulla, Anne-Lise; Speicher, Daniel; Greiser, Andreas; Muller, Hajo; de Perrot, Thomas; Vallee, Jean-Paul; Salomir, Rares

2018-02-01

We demonstrate the use of a magnetic-resonance (MR)-compatible ultrasound (US) imaging probe using spatially resolved Doppler for diagnostic quality cardiovascular MR imaging (MRI) as an initial step toward hybrid US/MR fetal imaging. A newly developed technology for a dedicated MR-compatible phased array ultrasound-imaging probe acquired pulsed color Doppler carotid images, which were converted in near-real time to a trigger signal for cardiac cine and flow quantification MRI. Ultrasound and MR data acquired simultaneously were interference free. Conventional electrocardiogram (ECG) and the proposed spatially resolved Doppler triggering were compared in 10 healthy volunteers. A synthetic "false-triggered" image was retrospectively processed using metric optimized gating (MOG). Images were scored by expert readers, and sharpness, cardiac function and aortic flow were quantified. Four-dimensional (4-D) flow (two volunteers) showed feasibility of Doppler triggering over a long acquisition time. Imaging modalities were compatible. US probe positioning was stable and comfortable. Image quality scores and quantified sharpness were statistically equal for Doppler- and ECG-triggering (p ). ECG-, Doppler-triggered, and MOG ejection fractions were equivalent (p ), with false-triggered values significantly lower (p < 0.0005). Aortic flow showed no difference between ECG- and Doppler-triggered and MOG (p > 0.05). 4-D flow quantification gave consistent results between ECG and Doppler triggering. We report interference-free pulsed color Doppler ultrasound during MR data acquisition. Cardiovascular MRI of diagnostic quality was successfully obtained with pulsed color Doppler triggering. The hardware platform could further enable advanced free-breathing cardiac imaging. Doppler ultrasound triggering is applicable where ECG is compromised due to pathology or interference at higher magnetic fields, and where direct ECG is impossible, i.e., fetal imaging.

Aural Discrimination of Targets by Human Subjects Using Broadband Sonar Pulses

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-10-01

in;’ Animal Sonai Systems: Biology and Bionics. RE Busnell. ed. Laboratoire de Physiologic.I Jouy-en-Josas 78. France, 1967. 6. Au. WW and KJ Snyder...1970. 11. Welton, PJ, Mde Billy. A Hayman and G Quentin, Backscattering of Short Ultrasonic Pulses by Solid Eastic Cylinders at Large /a, J Acoust Soc... G Quentin, Backscattering of Short Ultrasonic Pulses by Solid Elastic Cylinders at Large ka, J Acoust Soc Amer, 67, p 470-476, 1980. 12. Small, AM and

Study on characteristics of chirp about Doppler wind lidar system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Li-fang; Yang, Guo-tao; Wang, Ji-hong; Yue, Chuan; Chen, Lin-xiang

2016-11-01

In the doppler wind lidar, usually every 4MHz frequency error will produce wind error of 1m/s of 532nm laser. In the Doppler lidar system, frequency stabilization was achieved through absorption of iodine molecules. Commands that control the instrumental system were based on the PID algorithm and coded using VB language. The frequency of the seed laser was locked to iodine molecular absorption line 1109 which is close to the upper edge of the absorption range, with long-time (>4h) frequency-locking accuracy being≤0.5MHz and long-time frequency stability being 10-9 . The experimental result indicated that the seed frequency and the pulse laser frequency have a deviation, which effect is called the laser chirp characteristics. Finally chirp test system was constructed and tested the frequency offset in time. And such frequency deviation is known as Chirp of the laser pulse. The real-time measured frequency difference of the continuous and pulsed lights was about 10MHz, long-time stability deviation was around 5MHz. After experimental testing technology mature, which can monitoring the signal at long-term with corrected the wind speed.

Precision Thickness Variation Mapping Via One-Transducer Ultrasonic High Resolution Profilometry for Sample With Irregular or Rough Surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Don J. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

An apparatus and method for determination of sample thickness and surface depression utilizing ultrasonic pulses is discussed. The sample is held in a predetermined position by a support member having a reference surface. Ultrasonic pulses travel through a medium of known velocity propagation and reflect off the reference surface and a sample surface. Time of flight data of surface echoes are converted to distances between sample surfaces to obtain computer-generated thickness profiles and surface mappings.

Electromagnetic modulation of the ultrasonic signal for nondestructive detection of small defects and ferromagnetic inclusions in thin wall structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finkel, Peter

2008-03-01

We report on new nondestructive evaluation technique based on electromagnetic modulation of ultrasonic signal for detection of the small crack, flaws and inclusions in thin-walled parts. The electromagnetically induced high density current pulse produces stresses which alter the ultrasonic waves scanning the part with the defect and modulate ultrasonic signal. The excited electromagnetic field can produces crack-opening due to Lorentz forces that increase the ultrasonic reflection. The Joule heating associated with the high density current, and consequent thermal stresses may cause both crack-closure, as well as crack-opening, depending on various factors. Experimental data is presented here for the case of a small crack near holes in thin-walled structures. The measurements were taken at 2-10 MHz with a Lamb wave wedge transducer. It is shown that electromagnetic transient modulation of the ultrasonic echo pulse tone-burst suggest that this method could be used to enhance detection of small cracks and ferromagnetic inclusions in thin walled metallic structures.

[Doppler echocardiography of tricuspid insufficiency. Methods of quantification].

PubMed

Loubeyre, C; Tribouilloy, C; Adam, M C; Mirode, A; Trojette, F; Lesbre, J P

1994-01-01

Evaluation of tricuspid incompetence has benefitted considerably from the development of Doppler ultrasound. In addition to direct analysis of the valves, which provides information about the mechanism involved, this method is able to provide an accurate evaluation, mainly through use of the Doppler mode. In addition to new criteria being evaluated (mainly the convergence zone of the regurgitant jet), some indices are recognised as good quantitative parameters: extension of the regurgitant jet into the right atrium, anterograde tricuspid flow, laminar nature of the regurgitant flow, analysis of the flow in the supra-hepatic veins, this is only semi-quantitative, since the calculation of the regurgitation fraction from the pulsed Doppler does not seem to be reliable; This accurate semi-quantitative evaluation is made possible by careful and consistent use of all the criteria available. The authors set out to discuss the value of the various evaluation criteria mentioned in the literature and try to define a practical approach.

An ultrasonic noncontact method to monitor the doneness of bakery products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chimenti, D. E.; Faeth, L.

2000-05-01

The paper describes a method using ultrasonics and fluid dynamics to assess the state of "doneness" of bakery products, such as bread loaves, online and in situ. The problem in the baking industry is that bread doneness determined by time and temperature can be inaccurate, leaving some product underbaked. We describe a noncontact method using air-pulse excitation and air-coupled ultrasonic motion sensing to infer the state of doneness of the baking loaf while still in the oven and on a moving belt. The ultrasonic sensor operates at 100 kHz using a toneburst excitation and pitch-catch transducer geometry. The problem is one of detecting small (50 micron) movements in the loaf, whose position may vary up to several mm. Further, the loaf movements caused by the air-pulse excitation are rapid (20 to 50 msec). We present a signal-processing system, incorporating a boxcar integrator, that functions as a pulsed, time-domain acoustic interferometer. This instrument is capable of both the high time and spatial resolution essential for the successful operation of the instrument. We estimate a spatial resolution of 30 micron and a temporal resolution of 5 msec, using 100 kHz acoustic waves. The results of numerous in-oven measurements on one-pound bread loaves during the bake cycle will be presented to illustrate the performance of the instrument.

Doppler centroid estimation ambiguity for synthetic aperture radars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, C. Y.; Curlander, J. C.

1989-01-01

A technique for estimation of the Doppler centroid of an SAR in the presence of large uncertainty in antenna boresight pointing is described. Also investigated is the image degradation resulting from data processing that uses an ambiguous centroid. Two approaches for resolving ambiguities in Doppler centroid estimation (DCE) are presented: the range cross-correlation technique and the multiple-PRF (pulse repetition frequency) technique. Because other design factors control the PRF selection for SAR, a generalized algorithm is derived for PRFs not containing a common divisor. An example using the SIR-C parameters illustrates that this algorithm is capable of resolving the C-band DCE ambiguities for antenna pointing uncertainties of about 2-3 deg.

NDE application of ultrasonic tomography to a full-scale concrete structure.

PubMed

Choi, Hajin; Popovics, John S

2015-06-01

Newly developed ultrasonic imaging technology for large concrete elements, based on tomographic reconstruction, is presented. The developed 3-D internal images (velocity tomograms) are used to detect internal defects (polystyrene foam and pre-cracked concrete prisms) that represent structural damage within a large steel reinforced concrete element. A hybrid air-coupled/contact transducer system is deployed. Electrostatic air-coupled transducers are used to generate ultrasonic energy and contact accelerometers are attached on the opposing side of the concrete element to detect the ultrasonic pulses. The developed hybrid testing setup enables collection of a large amount of high-quality, through-thickness ultrasonic data without surface preparation to the concrete. The algebraic reconstruction technique is used to reconstruct p-wave velocity tomograms from the obtained time signal data. A comparison with a one-sided ultrasonic imaging method is presented for the same specimen. Through-thickness tomography shows some benefit over one-sided imaging for highly reinforced concrete elements. The results demonstrate that the proposed through-thickness ultrasonic technique shows great potential for evaluation of full-scale concrete structures in the field.

Analytical estimates of the PP-algorithm at low number of Doppler periods per pulse length

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Angelova, M. D.; Stoykova, E. V.; Stoyanov, D. V.

1992-01-01

When discussing the Doppler velocity estimators, it is of significant interest to analyze their behavior at a low number of Doppler periods n(sub D) = 2v(sub r)t(sub s)/lambda is approximately equal to 1 within the resolution cell t(sub s) (v(sub 4) is the radial velocity, lambda is the wavelength). Obviously, at n(sub D) is approximately less than 1 the velocity error is essentially increased. The problem of low n(sub D) arises in the planetary boundary layer (PBL), where higher resolutions are usually required but the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is relatively high. In this work analytical expression for the relative root mean square (RMS) error of the PP Doppler estimator at low number of periods for a narrowband Doppler signal and arbitrary model of the noise correlation function is obtained. The results are correct at relatively high SNR. The analysis is supported by computer simulations at various SNR's.

Ultrasonic Imaging Techniques for Breast Cancer Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goulding, N. R.; Marquez, J. D.; Prewett, E. M.; Claytor, T. N.; Nadler, B. R.

2008-02-01

Improving the resolution and specificity of current ultrasonic imaging technology is needed to enhance its relevance to breast cancer detection. A novel ultrasonic imaging reconstruction method is described that exploits classical straight-ray migration. This novel method improves signal processing for better image resolution and uses novel staging hardware options using a pulse-echo approach. A breast phantom with various inclusions is imaged using the classical migration method and is compared to standard computed tomography (CT) scans. These innovative ultrasonic methods incorporate ultrasound data acquisition, beam profile characterization, and image reconstruction. For an ultrasonic frequency of 2.25 MHz, imaged inclusions of approximately 1 cm are resolved and identified. Better resolution is expected with minor modifications. Improved image quality and resolution enables earlier detection and more accurate diagnoses of tumors thus reducing the number of biopsies performed, increasing treatment options, and lowering remission percentages. Using these new techniques the inclusions in the phantom are resolved and compared to the results of standard methods. Refinement of this application using other imaging techniques such as time-reversal mirrors (TRM), synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT), decomposition of the time reversal operator (DORT), and factorization methods is also discussed.

Simulation of transducer-couplant effects on broadband ultrasonic signals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vary, A.

1980-01-01

The increasing use of broadband, pulse-echo ultrasonics in nondestructive evaluation of flaws and material properties has generated a need for improved understanding of the way signals are modified by coupled and bonded thin-layer interfaces associated with transducers. This understanding is most important when using frequency spectrum analyses for characterizing material properties. In this type of application, signals emanating from material specimens can be strongly influenced by couplant and bond-layers in the acoustic path. Computer synthesized waveforms were used to simulate a range of interface conditions encountered in ultrasonic transducer systems operating in the 20 to 80 MHz regime. The adverse effects of thin-layer multiple reflections associated with various acoustic impedance conditions are demonstrated. The information presented is relevant to ultrasonic transducer design, specimen preparation, and couplant selection.

Pulse transit time differential measurement by fiber Bragg grating pulse recorder.

PubMed

Umesh, Sharath; Padma, Srivani; Ambastha, Shikha; Kalegowda, Anand; Asokan, Sundarrajan

2015-05-01

The present study reports a noninvasive technique for the measurement of the pulse transit time differential (PTTD) from the pulse pressure waveforms obtained at the carotid artery and radial artery using fiber Bragg grating pulse recorders (FBGPR). PTTD is defined as the time difference between the arrivals of a pulse pressure waveform at the carotid and radial arterial sites. The PTTD is investigated as an indicator of variation in the systolic blood pressure. The results are validated against blood pressure variation obtained from a Mindray Patient Monitor. Furthermore, the pulse wave velocity computed from the obtained PTTD is compared with the pulse wave velocity obtained from the color Doppler ultrasound system and is found to be in good agreement. The major advantage of the PTTD measurement via FBGPRs is that the data acquisition system employed can simultaneously acquire pulse pressure waveforms from both FBGPRs placed at carotid and radial arterial sites with a single time scale, which eliminates time synchronization complexity.

Non-invasive classification of gas-liquid two-phase horizontal flow regimes using an ultrasonic Doppler sensor and a neural network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Musa Abbagoni, Baba; Yeung, Hoi

2016-08-01

The identification of flow pattern is a key issue in multiphase flow which is encountered in the petrochemical industry. It is difficult to identify the gas-liquid flow regimes objectively with the gas-liquid two-phase flow. This paper presents the feasibility of a clamp-on instrument for an objective flow regime classification of two-phase flow using an ultrasonic Doppler sensor and an artificial neural network, which records and processes the ultrasonic signals reflected from the two-phase flow. Experimental data is obtained on a horizontal test rig with a total pipe length of 21 m and 5.08 cm internal diameter carrying air-water two-phase flow under slug, elongated bubble, stratified-wavy and, stratified flow regimes. Multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLPNNs) are used to develop the classification model. The classifier requires features as an input which is representative of the signals. Ultrasound signal features are extracted by applying both power spectral density (PSD) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) methods to the flow signals. A classification scheme of ‘1-of-C coding method for classification’ was adopted to classify features extracted into one of four flow regime categories. To improve the performance of the flow regime classifier network, a second level neural network was incorporated by using the output of a first level networks feature as an input feature. The addition of the two network models provided a combined neural network model which has achieved a higher accuracy than single neural network models. Classification accuracies are evaluated in the form of both the PSD and DWT features. The success rates of the two models are: (1) using PSD features, the classifier missed 3 datasets out of 24 test datasets of the classification and scored 87.5% accuracy; (2) with the DWT features, the network misclassified only one data point and it was able to classify the flow patterns up to 95.8% accuracy. This approach has demonstrated the

Toward Two-Color Sub-Doppler Saturation Recovery Kinetics in CN (x, v = 0, J)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Hong; Forthomme, Damien; Sears, Trevor; Hall, Gregory; Dagdigian, Paul

2015-06-01

Collision-induced rotational energy transfer among rotational levels of ground state CN (X 2σ+, v = 0) radicals has been probed by saturation recovery experiments, using high-resolution, polarized transient FM spectroscopy to probe the recovery of population and the decay of alignment following ns pulsed laser depletion of selected CN rotational levels. Despite the lack of Doppler selection in the pulsed depletion and the thermal distribution of collision velocities, the recovery kinetics are found to depend on the probed Doppler shift of the depleted signal. The observed Doppler-shift-dependent recovery rates are a measure of the velocity dependence of the inelastic cross sections, combined with the moderating effects of velocity-changing elastic collisions. New experiments are underway, in which the pulsed saturation is performed with sub-Doppler velocity selection. The time evolution of the spectral hole bleached in the initially thermal CN absorption spectrum can characterize speed-dependent inelastic collisions along with competing elastic velocity-changing collisions, all as a function of the initially bleached velocity group and rotational state. The initial time evolution of the depletion recovery spectrum can be compared to a stochastic model, using differential cross sections for elastic scattering as well as speed-dependent total inelastic cross sections, derived from ab initio scattering calculations. Progress to date will be reported. Acknowledgments: Work at Brookhaven National Laboratory was carried out under Contract No. DE-AC02-98CH10886 and DE-SC0012704 with the U.S. Department of Energy and supported by its Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences and Biosciences.

Dispersion Method Using Focused Ultrasonic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jungsoon Kim,; Moojoon Kim,; Kanglyel Ha,; Minchul Chu,

2010-07-01

The dispersion of powders into liquids has become one of the most important techniques in high-tech industries and it is a common process in the formulation of various products, such as paint, ink, shampoo, beverages, and polishing media. In this study, an ultrasonic system with a cylindrical transducer is newly introduced for pure nanoparticle dispersion. The acoustics pressure field and the characteristics of the shock pulse caused by cavitation are investigated. The frequency spectrum of the pulse from the collapse of air bubbles in the cavitation is analyzed theoretically. It was confirmed that a TiO2 water suspension can be dispersed effectively using the suggested system.

High energy, low frequency, ultrasonic transducer

DOEpatents

Brown, Albert E.

2000-01-01

A wide bandwidth, ultrasonic transducer to generate nondispersive, extensional, pulsed acoustic pressure waves into concrete reinforced rods and tendons. The wave propagation distance is limited to double the length of the rod. The transducer acoustic impedance is matched to the rod impedance for maximum transfer of acoustic energy. The efficiency of the transducer is approximately 60 percent, depending upon the type of active elements used in the transducer. The transducer input energy is, for example, approximately 1 mJ. Ultrasonic reflections will occur at points along the rod where there are changes of one percent of a wavelength in the rod diameter. A reduction in the rod diameter will reflect a phase reversed echo, as compared with the reflection from an incremental increase in diameter. Echo signal processing of the stored waveform permits a reconstruction of those echoes into an image of the rod. The ultrasonic transducer has use in the acoustic inspection of long (40+foot) architectural reinforcements and structural supporting members, such as in bridges and dams.

The role of the reflection coefficient in precision measurement of ultrasonic attenuation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Generazio, E. R.

1984-01-01

Ultrasonic attenuation measurements using contact, pulse-echo techniques are sensitive to surface roughness and couplant thickness variations. This can reduce considerable inaccuracies in the measurement of the attenuation coefficient for broadband pulses. Inaccuracies arise from variations in the reflection coefficient at the buffer-couplant-sample interface. The reflection coefficient is examined as a function of the surface roughness and corresponding couplant thickness variations. Interrelations with ultrasonic frequency are illustrated. Reliable attenuation measurements are obtained only when the frequency dependence of the reflection coefficient is incorporated in signal analysis. Data are given for nickel 200 samples and a silicon nitride ceramic bar having surface roughness variations in the 0.3 to 3.0 microns range for signal bandwidths in the 50 to 100 MHz range.

Photoacoustic experiments of glucose aqueous solution based on pulsed laser induced ultrasonic technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Zhong; Liu, Guodong; Huang, Zheng; Ding, Yu

2017-10-01

In this work, to further find the characteristic wavelengths of glucose, the photoacoustic experiments of glucose aqueous solutions were performed by using the photoacoustic technique. The photoacoustic detection system was established by the Q switched Nd: YAG OPO pulsed laser and ultrasonic detector with central frequency of 20MHz. The photoacoustic signals of samples were averaged with 512 times. Baed on the established photoacoustic detection system, the time-resolved photoacoustic signals of glucose with different concentrations at the different wavelengths were captured by the digital oscilloscope, and compared with that of the pure water. In order to get the characteristic wavelengths of glucose, the photoacoustic peak-to-peak values of glucose with different concentrations at the wavelength from 1350nm to 2100nm were obtained, and the difference spectral was gotten by using the difference method between the glucose solutions and pure water. Moreover, the first order derivation method was also used. The wavelength of 1650nm and 1850nm was chosen as the characteristic wavelengths of glucose. The linear fitting equation was established to verify the availability of two characteristic wavelengths. The average prediction error results showed that the choosing of the characteristic wavelength of 1650nm and 1850nm is available.

Pulsed ultrasonic instruments for monitoring the strength of materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korolev, Mikhail Viktorovich; Starikov, Boris Pavlovich; Karpel'Son, Arkadii Efimovich

The book is concerned with various aspects of the design of portable instruments for the ultrasonic monitoring of the strength and ductile characteristics of structural materials, including metals, alloys, and ceramics. Particular attention is given to methods for increasing the accuracy of the instruments while reducing their size, which is particularly important in the design of miniature instruments for the real-time monitoring of machines, mechanisms, and structures during operation.

Beat-by-beat stroke volume assessment by pulsed Doppler in upright and supine exercise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loeppky, J. A.; Greene, E. R.; Hoekenga, D. E.; Caprihan, A.; Luft, U. C.

1981-01-01

The instantaneous stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (Q) in eight male subjects during steady-state supine (S) and upright (U) exercises at 300 kpm/min is assessed by a 3.0-MHz pulsed Doppler echocardiograph. The mean transients in heart rate (HR), SV, and Q for each posture were determined and the center-line blood velocities obtained in the ascending aorta. Results show that the mean supine values for SV and Q at rest and exercise were 111 ml and 6.4 l/min and 112 ml and 9.7 l/min, respectively. The corresponding results for U were 76 ml and 5.6 l/min and 92 ml and 8.4 l/min, respectively. The values compare favorably with previous studies utilizing invasive procedures. The transient response of Q following the onset of exercise in U was about twice as fast as in S because of the rapid and almost immediate upsurge in SV. The faster rise in aortic flow in U with exercise represented and additional volume (184 ml) of blood passing through the aorta compared with S in the first 20 exercises. It is suggested that the rapid mobilization of pooled venous blood from the leg veins during U was responsible for the increased blood flow.

High-Performance Scanning Acousto-Ultrasonic System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Don; Martin, Richard; Kautz, Harold; Cosgriff, Laura; Gyekenyesi, Andrew

2006-01-01

A high-performance scanning acousto-ultrasonic system, now undergoing development, is designed to afford enhanced capabilities for imaging microstructural features, including flaws, inside plate specimens of materials. The system is expected to be especially helpful in analyzing defects that contribute to failures in polymer- and ceramic-matrix composite materials, which are difficult to characterize by conventional scanning ultrasonic techniques and other conventional nondestructive testing techniques. Selected aspects of the acousto-ultrasonic method have been described in several NASA Tech Briefs articles in recent years. Summarizing briefly: The acousto-ultrasonic method involves the use of an apparatus like the one depicted in the figure (or an apparatus of similar functionality). Pulses are excited at one location on a surface of a plate specimen by use of a broadband transmitting ultrasonic transducer. The stress waves associated with these pulses propagate along the specimen to a receiving transducer at a different location on the same surface. Along the way, the stress waves interact with the microstructure and flaws present between the transducers. The received signal is analyzed to evaluate the microstructure and flaws. The specific variant of the acousto-ultrasonic method implemented in the present developmental system goes beyond the basic principle described above to include the following major additional features: Computer-controlled motorized translation stages are used to automatically position the transducers at specified locations. Scanning is performed in the sense that the measurement, data-acquisition, and data-analysis processes are repeated at different specified transducer locations in an array that spans the specimen surface (or a specified portion of the surface). A pneumatic actuator with a load cell is used to apply a controlled contact force. In analyzing the measurement data for each pair of transducer locations in the scan, the total

Tissue Doppler imaging and echo-Doppler findings associated with a mitral valve stenosis with an immobile posterior valve leaflet in a bull terrier.

PubMed

Tidholm, A; Nicolle, A P; Carlos, C; Gouni, V; Caruso, J L; Pouchelon, J L; Chetboul, V

2004-04-01

A mitral valve stenosis was diagnosed in a 2-year-old female Bull Terrier by use of two-dimensional (2-D) and M-mode echocardiography, colour-flow imaging and spectral Doppler examinations. Tissue Doppler Imaging was also performed to assess the segmental radial myocardial motion. The mitral valve stenosis was characterized by a decreased mitral orifice area/left ventricle area ratio (0.14), an increased early diastolic flow velocity (E wave = 1.9 m/s), a prolonged pressure half-time (106 ms) and a decreased E-F slope (4.5 cm/s) on pulsed-wave Doppler examination. This mitral stenosis was associated with an immobile posterior leaflet, as seen on 2-D and M-mode echocardiography. Immobility of the posterior mitral leaflet is considered to be a rare finding in humans and, to our knowledge, has not been precisely documented in dogs with mitral valve stenosis.

The use of ultrasonic properties of CR-39 track detectors in neutron dosimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afifi, H.; El-Sersy, A.; Khaled, N.

2004-01-01

The longitudinal and shear wave ultrasonic velocities have been measured before and after exposing 5-mm thick CR-39 solid state nuclear track detectors to both a mixed field of gamma-rays and fast neutrons from an Am-Be source in the ranges from 0 to 10 4 mSv. The change in the intermolecular structure as caused by the fast neutron exposure was studied by the ultrasonic pulse echo method at a frequency of 2 MHz and at room temperature. The elastic coefficients, Poisson's ratio, microhardness, ultrasonic absorption coefficient and internal friction have been determined. The study shows that the gamma-ray irradiation had no effect on the ultrasonic properties of CR-39 at least at the used doses. However, all the ultrasonic properties are influenced by the fast neutrons at doses up to 10 4 mSv. Our experimental results confirmed that the ultrasonic technique is useful for fast neutron detection, by exploiting the differences in mechanical properties of CR-39.

A refraction-corrected tomographic algorithm for immersion laser-ultrasonic imaging of solids with piecewise linear surface profile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zarubin, V.; Bychkov, A.; Simonova, V.; Zhigarkov, V.; Karabutov, A.; Cherepetskaya, E.

2018-05-01

In this paper, a technique for reflection mode immersion 2D laser-ultrasound tomography of solid objects with piecewise linear 2D surface profiles is presented. Pulsed laser radiation was used for generation of short ultrasonic probe pulses, providing high spatial resolution. A piezofilm sensor array was used for detection of the waves reflected by the surface and internal inhomogeneities of the object. The original ultrasonic image reconstruction algorithm accounting for refraction of acoustic waves at the liquid-solid interface provided longitudinal resolution better than 100 μm in the polymethyl methacrylate sample object.

Fiber-optic Michelson interferometer fixed in a tilted tube for direction-dependent ultrasonic detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gang, Tingting; Hu, Manli; Qiao, Xueguang; Li, JiaCheng; Shao, Zhihua; Tong, Rongxin; Rong, Qiangzhou

2017-01-01

A fiber-optic interferometer is proposed and demonstrated experimentally for ultrasonic detection. The sensor consists of a compact Michelson interferometer (MI), which is fixed in a tilted-tube end-face (45°). Thin gold films are used for the reflective coatings of two arms and one of the interference arms is etched serving as the sensing arm. The spectral sideband filter technique is used to interrogate the continuous and pulse ultrasonic signals (with frequency of 300 KHz). Furthermore, because of the asymmetrical structure of the sensor, it presents strong direction-dependent ultrasonic sensitivity, such that the sensor can be considered a vector detector. The experimental results show that the sensor is highly sensitive to ultrasonic signals, and thus it can be a candidate for ultrasonic imaging of seismic physical models.

Doppler lidar atmospheric wind sensors - A comparative performance evaluation for global measurement applications from earth orbit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Menzies, R. T.

1986-01-01

A comparison is made of four prominent Doppler lidar systems, ranging in wavelength from the near UV to the middle IR, which are presently being studied for their potential in an earth-orbiting global tropospheric wind field measurement application. The comparison is restricted to relative photon efficiencies, i.e., the required number of transmitted photons per pulse is calculated for each system for midtropospheric velocity estimate uncertainties ranging from + or - 1 to + or - 4 m/s. The results are converted to laser transmitter pulse energy and power requirements. The analysis indicates that a coherent CO2 Doppler lidar operating at 9.11-micron wavelength is the most efficient.

Nonlinear dynamic analysis of traveling wave-type ultrasonic motors.

PubMed

Nakagawa, Yosuke; Saito, Akira; Maeno, Takashi

2008-03-01

In this paper, nonlinear dynamic response of a traveling wave-type ultrasonic motor was investigated. In particular, understanding the transient dynamics of a bar-type ultrasonic motor, such as starting up and stopping, is of primary interest. First, the transient response of the bar-type ultrasonic motor at starting up and stopping was measured using a laser Doppler velocimeter, and its driving characteristics are discussed in detail. The motor is shown to possess amplitude-dependent nonlinearity that greatly influences the transient dynamics of the motor. Second, a dynamical model of the motor was constructed as a second-order nonlinear oscillator, which represents the dynamics of the piezoelectric ceramic, stator, and rotor. The model features nonlinearities caused by the frictional interface between the stator and the rotor, and cubic nonlinearity in the dynamics of the stator. Coulomb's friction model was employed for the interface model, and a stick-slip phenomenon is considered. Lastly, it was shown that the model is capable of representing the transient dynamics of the motor accurately. The critical parameters in the model were identified from measured results, and numerical simulations were conducted using the model with the identified parameters. Good agreement between the results of measurements and numerical simulations is observed.

Doppler lidar studies of atmospheric wind field dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hardesty, R. M.; Post, M. J.; Lawrence, T. R.; Hall, F. F., Jr.

1986-01-01

For the past 5 years the Wave Propagation Lab. has operated a pulsed CO2 Doppler lidar system to evaluate coherent laser radar technology and to investigate applications of the technique in atmospheric research. The capability of the system to provide measurements of atmospheric winds, backscatter, and water vapor has been extensively studied over this period. Because Doppler lidar can measure atmospheric wind structure in the clear air without degradation by terrain features, it offers a unique capability as a research tool for studies of many transient or local scale atmospheric events. This capability was demonstrated in recent field experiments near Boulder, Colo. and Midland, Tex., in which the lidar clearly depicted the wind field structure associated with several types of phenomena, including thunderstorm microbursts, valley drainage flow, and passage of a dryline front. To improve sensitivity during the periods of low aerosol backscatter, the system has recently been upgraded with new transmitter/receiver hardware. The upgraded system, which transmit 2 J per pulse of output energy at a rate of 50 Hz and incorporates computer control for automated operation, underwent calibration testing during the spring of 1986.

Some investigations on the use of ultrasonics in travelling bubble cavitation control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatterjee, Dhiman; Arakeri, Vijay H.

2004-04-01

In this paper we report results from some investigations on the use of ultrasonics in controlling travelling bubble cavitation. Control of this type of cavitation, generated using a venturi device, has been achieved by manipulation of potential nuclei using a piezoelectric device, termed the Ultrasonic Nuclei Manipulator (UNM). The performance of the UNM, activated in continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed modes, has been studied over a range of dissolved gas concentration (C). The performance under CW-excitation is found to depend sensitively on C, with lack of control in near-saturated water samples. Failure to control cavitation at C ≈ 1 under CW-excitation is suggested to be a result of bubble growth by rectified diffusion under these conditions. The pulsed mode of excitation of the UNM, in such cases, seems to be a very promising alternative. Further improvement is observed by using two piezoelectric crystals, one driven in the CW-mode and the second in pulsed mode, as the UNM. Through carefully designed experimentation, this has been traced to the movement of nuclei under the influence of Bjerknes forces. Besides reduction of noise, other measures of control have been identified and investigated. For example, it has been found that the maximum velocity achievable at the venturi throat can be increased from about 15 m s(-1) to about 22 m s(-1) with nuclei manipulation using ultrasonics.

Non-invasive ultrasonic technology for continuous monitoring of pork loin and ham dry salting.

PubMed

de Prados, Marta; Garcia-Perez, Jose V; Benedito, Jose

2017-06-01

Online ultrasound measurements were taken using pulse-echo mode in loins (Longissimus dorsi) and hams at different salting times (up to 30days). From the time-domain ultrasonic wave, the time of flight (TOF) was computed as well as its variation between two signals (ΔTOF). A progressive decrease in TOF during dry salting was found, which was linked to the salt gain, water loss and the reduction in sample thickness. Predictive models based on the ultrasonic parameters (ΔTOF and initial time of flight, TOF 0 ) correctly classified 85% of the loins and 90% of the hams into 3 groups of salt content (low/medium/high). The results obtained confirm that the use of the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique is of great potential in the non-destructive monitoring of dry salting in pork loins and hams, as well as in the prediction of the salt gain for classification purposes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cyclic reconstruction of 4D retinal blood flow with pulse synchronization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmoll, Tilman; Lasser, Theo; Leitgeb, Rainer A.

2009-02-01

Doppler OCT systems allow nowadays to visualize quantitative and qualitative angiographic maps of retinal tissue. We equipped the instrument with a pulse oximeter and recorded the pulse synchronously with the resonant Doppler flow data. Recombination of tomograms according to the heart beat cycles yields full volumes for each cycle instant. We believe such multi-dimensional functional information and the ability to monitor dynamic processes over time to open exciting perspectives that ultimately contribute to a better understanding of retinal physiology and patho-physiology in-vivo.

Characterization of Olive Oil by Ultrasonic and Physico-chemical Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alouache, B.; Khechena, F. K.; Lecheb, F.; Boutkedjirt, T.

Olive oil excels by its nutritional and medicinal benefits. It can be consumed without any treatment. However, its quality can be altered by inadequate storage conditions or if it is mixed with other kinds of oils. The objective of this work is to demonstrate the ability of ultrasonic methods to characterize and control olive oil quality. By using of a transducer of 2.25 MHz nominal frequency, in pulse echo mode, ultrasonic parameters, such as propagation velocity and attenuation,have been measured for pure olive oil and for its mixtures with sunflower oil at different proportions. Mechanical properties, such as density and viscosity, have also been determined. The results of ultrasonic measurements are consistent with those obtained by physico-chemical methods, such as rancidity degree, acid index, UV specific extinction coefficient and viscosity. They show that the ultrasonic method allows to distinguish between mixtures at different proportions. The study allows concluding that ultrasound techniques can be considered as a useful complement to existing physico-chemical analysis techniques.

High-frequency ultrasonic methods for determining corrosion layer thickness of hollow metallic components.

PubMed

Liu, Hongwei; Zhang, Lei; Liu, Hong Fei; Chen, Shuting; Wang, Shihua; Wong, Zheng Zheng; Yao, Kui

2018-05-16

Corrosion in internal cavity is one of the most common problems occurs in many hollow metallic components, such as pipes containing corrosive fluids and high temperature turbines in aircraft. It is highly demanded to non-destructively detect the corrosion inside hollow components and determine the corrosion extent from the external side. In this work, we present two high-frequency ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies, including piezoelectric pulse-echo and laser-ultrasonic methods, for detecting corrosion of Ni superalloy from the opposite side. The determination of corrosion layer thickness below ∼100 µm has been demonstrated by both methods, in comparison with X-CT and SEM. With electron microscopic examination, it is found that with multilayer corrosion structure formed over a prolonged corrosion time, the ultrasonic NDT methods can only reliably reveal outer corrosion layer thickness because of the resulting acoustic contrast among the multiple layers due to their respective different mechanical parameters. A time-frequency signal analysis algorithm is employed to effectively enhance the high frequency ultrasonic signal contrast for the piezoelectric pulse-echo method. Finally, a blind test on a Ni superalloy turbine blade with internal corrosion is conducted with the high frequency piezoelectric pulser-receiver method. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultrasonic level sensors for liquids under high pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zuckerwar, A. J.; Mazel, D. S.; Hodges, D. Y.

1986-01-01

An ultrasonic level sensor of novel design continuously measures the level of a liquid subjected to a high pressure (up to about 40 MPa), as is sometimes required for the effective transfer of the liquid. The sensor operates as a composite resonator fabricated from a standard high-pressure plug. A flat-bottom hole is machined into the plug along its center line. An ultrasonic transducer is bonded rigidly to the interior surface of the bottom wall, while the exterior surface is in contact with the liquid. Although the bottom wall is designed to satisfy the pressure code, it is still sufficiently thin to permit ready excitation of the axisymmetric plate modes of vibration. The liquid level is measured by a conventional pulse-echo technique. A prototype sensor was tested successfully in a 2300-l water vessel at pressures up to about 37 MPa. A spectral analysis of the transmitted pulse reveals that the flexural, extensional, thickness-shear, and radial plate modes are excited into vibration, but none of these appears to be significantly affected by the pressurization of the liquid.

Ultrasonic device for real-time sewage velocity and suspended particles concentration measurements.

PubMed

Abda, F; Azbaid, A; Ensminger, D; Fischer, S; François, P; Schmitt, P; Pallarès, A

2009-01-01

In the frame of a technological research and innovation network in water and environment technologies (RITEAU, Réseau de Recherche et d'Innovation Technologique Eau et Environnement), our research group, in collaboration with industrial partners and other research institutions, has been in charge of the development of a suitable flowmeter: an ultrasonic device measuring simultaneously the water flow and the concentration of size classes of suspended particles. Working on the pulsed ultrasound principle, our multi-frequency device (1 to 14 MHz) allows flow velocity and water height measurement and estimation of suspended solids concentration. Velocity measurements rely on the coherent Doppler principle. A self developed frequency estimator, so called Spectral Identification method, was used and compared to the classical Pulse-Pair method. Several measurements campaigns on one wastewater collector of the French city of Strasbourg gave very satisfactory results and showed smaller standard deviation values for the Doppler frequency extracted by the Spectral Identification method. A specific algorithm was also developed for the water height measurements. It relies on the water surface acoustic impedance rupture and its peak localisation and behaviour in the collected backscattering data. This algorithm was positively tested on long time measurements on the same wastewater collector. A large part of the article is devoted to the measurements of the suspended solids concentrations. Our data analysis consists in the adaptation of the well described acoustic behaviour of sand to the behaviour of wastewater particles. Both acoustic attenuation and acoustic backscattering data over multiple frequencies are analyzed for the extrapolation of size classes and respective concentrations. Under dry weather conditions, the massic backscattering coefficient and the overall size distribution showed similar evolution whatever the measurement site was and were suggesting a global

Real-Time Color-Doppler Guidance of HIFU for the Selective Avoidance or Occlusion of Blood Vessels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabkin, Brian A.; Zderic, Vesna; Vaezy, Shahram

2005-03-01

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been shown to effectively occlude blood vessels deep within tissue. The objective of the current study was to synchronize HIFU and color-Doppler ultrasound (US) for the real-time visualization of flow within blood vessels during HIFU treatment. The excitation of the HIFU was synchronized with the color-Doppler imager by collecting the excitation pulses of one of the elements of either a curved array intracavitary (C 9-5) or an intraoperative (CL 10-5) imaging probe. The collected excitation pulse was converted into a TTL-high pulse, which was delayed and gated to time the excitation duration and location of the HIFU pulse with respect to each imaging frame. The single pulse was used to drive a 3.2 MHz concave HIFU transducer (focal length of 3.5 cm, f-number 1) while the US imager was not collecting RF signals from the treatment region of the US image. The feasibility of the system was demonstrated in vivo by the selective ablation of tissue adjacent to, or the occlusion of, large vessels (including the femoral artery) both transcutaneously and interoperatively in the rabbit and pig. For the occlusion of vessels, the HIFU focus was placed immediately distal (with respect to the transducer) to the vessel at a depth of 2-2.5 cm. HIFU was applied at in situ intensities of 1000-2000 W/cm2, at a duty cycle of 50-75%, and a HIFU pulse repetition frequency (set by the US image frame rate) of 6-18 Hz. During each HIFU exposure, the HIFU pulse resulted in color interference bands running vertically within the color-Doppler window. Through the synchronization of the US imager with the HIFU excitation, the location and duration of the interference bands were set outside the treatment region within each image frame. This provided the operator with a clear view of the HIFU treatment site during therapy. Gross assessment showed necrosis of the tissue surrounding the HIFU treated vessel and occlusion of vessels up to 4 mm in diameter

Feasibility on Ultrasonic Velocity using Contact and Non-Contact Nondestructive Techniques for Carbon/Carbon Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Im, K. H.; Chang, M.; Hsu, D. K.; Song, S. J.; Cho, H.; Park, J. W.; Kweon, Y. S.; Sim, J. K.; Yang, I. Y.

2007-03-01

Advanced materials are to be required to have specific functions associated with extremely environments. One of them is carbon/carbon(C/C) composite material, which has obvious advantages over conventional materials. The C/Cs have become to be utilized as parts of aerospace applications and its low density, high thermal conductivity and excellent mechanical properties at elevated temperatures make it an ideal material for aircraft brake disks. Because of permeation of coupling medium such as water, it is desirable to perform contact-less nondestructive evaluation to assess material properties and part homogeneity. In this work, a C/C composite material was characterized with non-contact and contact ultrasonic methods using a scanner with automatic-data acquisition function. Also through transmission mode was performed because of the main limitation for air-coupled transducers, which is the acoustic impedance mismatch between most materials and air. Especially ultrasonic images and velocities for C/C composite disk brake were compared and found to be consistent to some degree with the non-contact and contact ultrasonic measurement methods. Low frequency through-transmission scans based on both amplitude of the ultrasonic pulse was used for mapping out the material property inhomogeneity. Measured results were compared with those obtained by the dry-coupling ultrasonic UT system and through transmission method in immersion. Finally, feasibility has been found to measure and compare ultrasonic velocities of C/C composites with using the contact/noncontact peak-delay measurement method based on the pulse overlap method.

Turbulent slurry flow measurement using ultrasonic Doppler method in rectangular pipe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bareš, V.; Krupička, J.; Picek, T.; Brabec, J.; Matoušek, V.

2014-03-01

Distribution of velocity and Reynolds stress was measured using ultrasonic velocimetry in flows of water and Newtonian water-ballotini slurries in a pressurized Plexiglas pipe. Profiles of the measured parameters were sensed in the vertical plane at the centreline of a rectangular cross section of the pipe. Reference measurements in clear water produced expected symmetrical velocity profiles the shape of which was affected by secondary currents developed in the rectangular pipe. Slurry-flow experiments provided information on an effect of the concentration of solid grains on the internal structure of the flow. Strong attenuation of velocity fluctuations caused by a presence of grains was identified. The attenuation increased with the increasing local concentration of the grains.

The Multiple Doppler Radar Workshop, November 1979.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carbone, R. E.; Harris, F. I.; Hildebrand, P. H.; Kropfli, R. A.; Miller, L. J.; Moninger, W.; Strauch, R. G.; Doviak, R. J.; Johnson, K. W.; Nelson, S. P.; Ray, P. S.; Gilet, M.

1980-10-01

The findings of the Multiple Doppler Radar Workshop are summarized by a series of six papers. Part I of this series briefly reviews the history of multiple Doppler experimentation, fundamental concepts of Doppler signal theory, and organization and objectives of the Workshop. Invited presentations by dynamicists and cloud physicists are also summarized.Experimental design and procedures (Part II) are shown to be of critical importance. Well-defined and limited experimental objectives are necessary in view of technological limitations. Specified radar scanning procedures that balance temporal and spatial resolution considerations are discussed in detail. Improved siting for suppression of ground clutter as well as scanning procedures to minimize errors at echo boundaries are discussed. The need for accelerated research using numerically simulated proxy data sets is emphasized.New technology to eliminate various sampling limitations is cited as an eventual solution to many current problems in Part III. Ground clutter contamination may be curtailed by means of full spectral processing, digital filters in real time, and/or variable pulse repetition frequency. Range and velocity ambiguities also may be minimized by various pulsing options as well as random phase transmission. Sidelobe contamination can be reduced through improvements in radomes, illumination patterns, and antenna feed types. Radar volume-scan time can be sharply reduced by means of wideband transmission, phased array antennas, multiple beam antennas, and frequency agility.Part IV deals with synthesis of data from several radars in the context of scientific requirements in cumulus clouds, widespread precipitation, and severe convective storms. The important temporal and spatial scales are examined together with the accuracy required for vertical air motion in each phenomenon. Factors that introduce errors in the vertical velocity field are identified and synthesis techniques are discussed separately for

Topology optimized design of functionally graded piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubio, Wilfredo Montealegre; Buiochi, Flávio; Adamowski, Julio Cezar; Silva, Emílio C. N.

2010-01-01

This work presents a new approach to systematically design piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers based on Topology Optimization Method (TOM) and Functionally Graded Material (FGM) concepts. The main goal is to find the optimal material distribution of Functionally Graded Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Transducers, to achieve the following requirements: (i) the transducer must be designed to have a multi-modal or uni-modal frequency response, which defines the kind of generated acoustic wave, either short pulse or continuous wave, respectively; (ii) the transducer is required to oscillate in a thickness extensional mode or piston-like mode, aiming at acoustic wave generation applications. Two kinds of piezoelectric materials are mixed for producing the FGM transducer. Material type 1 represents a PZT-5A piezoelectric ceramic and material type 2 represents a PZT-5H piezoelectric ceramic. To illustrate the proposed method, two Functionally Graded Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Transducers are designed. The TOM has shown to be a useful tool for designing Functionally Graded Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Transducers with uni-modal or multi-modal dynamic behavior.

Wind field measurement in the nonprecipitous regions surrounding storms by an airborne pulsed Doppler lidar system, appendix A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bilbro, J. W.; Vaughan, W. W.

1980-01-01

Coherent Doppler lidar appears to hold great promise in contributing to the basic store of knowledge concerning flow field characteristics in the nonprecipitous regions surrounding severe storms. The Doppler lidar, through its ability to measure clear air returns, augments the conventional Doppler radar system, which is most useful in the precipitous regions of the storm. A brief description of the Doppler lidar severe storm measurement system is provided along with the technique to be used in performing the flow field measurements. The application of the lidar is addressed, and the planned measurement program is outlined.

A new approach to correct yaw misalignment in the spinning ultrasonic anemometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghaemi-Nasab, M.; Davari, Ali R.; Franchini, S.

2018-01-01

Single-axis ultrasonic anemometers are the modern instruments for accurate wind speed measurements. Despite their widespread and ever increasing applications, little attention has been paid up to now to spinning ultrasonic anemometers that can accurately measure both the wind speed and its direction in a single and robust apparatus. In this study, intensive wind-tunnel tests were conducted on a spinning single-axis ultrasonic anemometer to investigate the yaw misalignment in ultrasonic wind speed measurements during the yaw rotation. The anemometer was rotating inside the test section with various angular velocities, and the experiments were performed at several combinations of wind speed and anemometer angular velocity. The instantaneous angular position of the ultrasonic signal path with wind direction was measured using an angular position sensor. For a spinning anemometer, the circulatory wake and the associated flow distortion, along with the Doppler effect, impart a phase shift in the signals measured by the anemometer, which should be added to the position data for correcting the yaw misalignment. In this paper, the experimental data are used to construct a theoretical model, based on a response surface method, to correct the phase shift for various wind speeds and anemometer rotational velocities. This model is shown to successfully correct the velocity indicated by the spinning anemometer for the phase shift due to the rotation, and can easily be used in the calibration process for such anemometers.

A blind climber: The first evidence of ultrasonic echolocation in arboreal mammals.

PubMed

Panyutina, Aleksandra A; Kuznetsov, Alexander N; Volodin, Ilya A; Abramov, Alexei V; Soldatova, Irina B

2017-03-01

The means of orientation is studied in the Vietnamese pygmy dormouse Typhlomys chapensis, a poorly known enigmatic semi-fossorial semi-arboreal rodent. Data on eye structure are presented, which prove that Typhlomys (translated as "the blind mouse") is incapable of object vision: the retina is folded and retains no more than 2500 ganglion cells in the focal plane, and the optic nerve is subject to gliosis. Hence, Typhlomys has no other means for rapid long-range orientation among tree branches other than echolocation. Ultrasonic vocalization recordings at the frequency range of 50-100 kHz support this hypothesis. The vocalizations are represented by bouts of up to 7 more or less evenly-spaced and uniform frequency-modulated sweep-like pulses in rapid succession. Structurally, these sweeps are similar to frequency-modulated ultrasonic echolocation calls of some bat species, but they are too faint to be revealed with a common bat detector. When recording video simultaneously with the ultrasonic audio, a significantly greater pulse rate during locomotion compared to that of resting animals has been demonstrated. Our findings of locomotion-associated ultrasonic vocalization in a fast-climbing but weakly-sighted small mammal ecotype add support to the "echolocation-first theory" of pre-flight origin of echolocation in bats. © 2016 International Society of Zoological Sciences, Institute of Zoology/Chinese Academy of Sciences and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Subendocardial motion in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: assessment from long- and short-axis views by pulsed tissue Doppler imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tabata, T.; Oki, T.; Yamada, H.; Abe, M.; Onose, Y.; Thomas, J. D.

2000-01-01

BACKGROUND: Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is a recently developed technique that allows the instantaneous measurement of intrinsic regional myocardial motion velocity. Pulsed TDI is capable of separately assessing left ventricular (LV) regional motion velocity caused by circumferential and longitudinal fiber contraction. This particular feature of function is still controversial in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC). METHODS: To better characterize intrinsic circumferential and longitudinal LV systolic myocardial function in HC, we used pulsed TDI to measure short- and long-axis LV motion velocities, respectively. The subendocardial motion velocity patterns at the middle of the LV posterior wall (PW) and ventricular septum (IVS) in LV parasternal and apical long-axis views were recorded by pulsed TDI in 19 patients with nonobstructive HC and in 21 normal controls (NC). RESULTS: Peak short- and long-axis systolic subendocardial velocities in both the LV PW and IVS were significantly smaller in the HC group than in the NC group, and the time to peak velocity was significantly delayed. Furthermore, peak PW systolic velocity was significantly greater along the long axis than along the short axis in the NC group (8.8 +/- 1.5 cm/s vs 8.2 +/- 1.4 cm/s, P <.05), whereas the opposite was observed in the HC group (6.1 +/- 1.2 cm/s vs 7.5 +/- 1.0 cm/s, P <.0001). No significant differences were found in either group between the long- and short-axis IVS velocities (HC: 5.9 +/- 1.4 cm/s vs 5.5 +/- 1.3 cm/s; NC: 7.8 +/- 1.3 cm/s vs 7.9 +/- 1.6 cm/s). CONCLUSIONS: By using the capability of pulsed TDI for the evaluation of intrinsic myocardial velocity instantaneously in a specific region and direction, we found impairment of LV myocardial systolic function in patients with HC not only in the hypertrophied IVS but also in the nonhypertrophied LV PW. We also found a greater decrease in LV PW velocities along the long axis than the short axis, suggesting greater

Neuronal encoding of ultrasonic sound by a fish.

PubMed

Plachta, Dennis T T; Song, Jiakun; Halvorsen, Michele B; Popper, Arthur N

2004-06-01

Many species of odontocete cetaceans (toothed whales) use high-frequency clicks (60-170 kHz) to identify objects in their environment, including potential prey. Behavioral studies have shown that American shad, Alosa sapidissima, can detect ultrasonic signals similar to those of odontocetes that are potentially their predators. American shad also show strong escape behavior in response to ultrasonic pulses between 70 and 110 kHz and can determine the location of the sound source at least in the horizontal plane. The present study examines physiological aspects of ultrasound detection by American shad and provides the first insights into the neural encoding of ultrasound signals in any nonmammalian vertebrate. The recordings were obtained by penetration through the cerebellar surface. All but two units responded exclusively to ultrasound. Ultrasound-sensitive units did not phase-couple to any stimulus frequency. Some units resembled the response of constant latency neurons found in the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus of bats. We suggest that ultrasonic and sonic signals are processed along different pathways in Alosa. The ultrasonic pathway in Alosa appears to be a feature detector that is likely to be adapted (e.g., frequency, intensity) to odontocete echolocation signals.

Development of ultrasonic methods for hemodynamic measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Histand, M. B.; Miller, C. W.; Wells, M. K.; Mcleod, F. D.; Greene, E. R.; Winter, D.

1975-01-01

A transcutanous method to measure instantaneous mean blood flow in peripheral arteries of the human body was defined. Transcutanous and implanted cuff ultrasound velocity measurements were evaluated, and the accuracies of velocity, flow, and diameter measurements were assessed for steady flow. Performance criteria were established for the pulsed Doppler velocity meter (PUDVM), and performance tests were conducted. Several improvements are suggested.

Effect of ultrasonic irradiation on mammalian cells and chromosomes in vitro

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roseboro, J. A.; Buchanan, P.; Norman, A.; Stern, R.

1978-01-01

Human peripheral blood and HeLa cells were irradiated in vitro at the ultrasonic frequency of 65 kHz. The whole blood and HeLa cell suspensions were exposed to continuous and pulsed ultrasonic power levels of 0.12, 0.16, 0.72, 1.12 and 2.24 W for a period of one minute. The method of ultrasonic irradiation was carried out with the whole blood or HeLa cell suspensions coupled directly to a cylindrical transducer while heating of the cell suspensions in excess of 41 C was avoided. Irradiated and unirradiated peripheral blood lymphocyte chromosome cultures were prepared and scored for selected numerical and morphological aberrations. There was no significant difference in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations between irradiated and unirradiated cells.

Geometric Limitations Of Ultrasonic Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

von Nicolai, C.; Schilling, F.

2006-12-01

Laboratory experiments are a key for interpreting seismic field observations. Due to their potential in many experimental set-ups, the determination of elastic properties of minerals and rocks by ultrasonic measurements is common in Geosciences. The quality and thus use of ultrasonic data, however, strongly depends on the sample geometry and wavelength of the sound wave. Two factors, the diameter-to-wavelength- ratio and the diameter-to-length-ratio, are believed to be the essential parameters to affect ultrasonic signal quality. In this study, we determined under well defined conditions the restricting dimensional parameters to test the validity of published assumptions. By the use of commercial ultrasonic transducers a number of experiments were conducted on aluminium, alumina, and acrylic glass rods of varying diameter (30-10 mm) and constant length. At each diameter compressional wave travel times were measured by pulse- transmission method. From the observed travel times ultrasonic wave velocities were calculated. One additional experiment was performed with a series of square-shaped aluminium blocks in order to investigate the effect of the geometry of the samples cross-sectional area. The experimental results show that the simple diameter-to-wavelength ratios are not valid even under idealized experimental conditions and more complex relation has to be talen into account. As diameter decreases the P-waves direct phase is increasingly interfered and weakened by sidewall reflections. At very small diameters compressional waves are replaced by bar waves and P-wave signals become non resolvable. Considering the suppression of both effects, a critical D/ë-ratio was determined and compared to experimental set-ups from various publications. These tests indicate that some published and cited data derived from small diameter set-ups are out off the range of physical possibility.

Potential of ultrasonic pulse velocity for evaluating the dimensional stability of oak and chestnut wood

Treesearch

Turker Dundar; Xiping Wang; Nusret As; Erkan Avci

2016-01-01

The objective of this study was to examine the potential of ultrasonic velocity as a rapid and nondestructive method to predict the dimensional stability of oak (Quercus petraea (Mattuschka) Lieblein) and chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) that are commonly used in flooring industry. Ultrasonic velocity, specific gravity, and radial, tangential and volumetric shrinkages...

Binary solvent extraction system and extraction time effects on phenolic antioxidants from kenaf seeds (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) extracted by a pulsed ultrasonic-assisted extraction.

PubMed

Wong, Yu Hua; Lau, Hwee Wen; Tan, Chin Ping; Long, Kamariah; Nyam, Kar Lin

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the best parameter for extracting phenolic-enriched kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seeds by a pulsed ultrasonic-assisted extraction. The antioxidant activities of ultrasonic-assisted kenaf seed extracts (KSE) were determined by a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity assay, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, β -carotene bleaching inhibition assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) evaluations were carried out to determine the phenolic and flavonoid contents in KSE. The KSE from the best extraction parameter was then subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify the phenolic compounds. The optimised extraction condition employed 80% ethanol for 15 min, with the highest values determined for the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assay. KSE contained mainly tannic acid (2302.20 mg/100 g extract) and sinapic acid (1198.22 mg/100 g extract), which can be used as alternative antioxidants in the food industry.

Binary Solvent Extraction System and Extraction Time Effects on Phenolic Antioxidants from Kenaf Seeds (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Extracted by a Pulsed Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction

PubMed Central

Lau, Hwee Wen; Nyam, Kar Lin

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the best parameter for extracting phenolic-enriched kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seeds by a pulsed ultrasonic-assisted extraction. The antioxidant activities of ultrasonic-assisted kenaf seed extracts (KSE) were determined by a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity assay, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, β-carotene bleaching inhibition assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) evaluations were carried out to determine the phenolic and flavonoid contents in KSE. The KSE from the best extraction parameter was then subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify the phenolic compounds. The optimised extraction condition employed 80% ethanol for 15 min, with the highest values determined for the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assay. KSE contained mainly tannic acid (2302.20 mg/100 g extract) and sinapic acid (1198.22 mg/100 g extract), which can be used as alternative antioxidants in the food industry. PMID:24592184

Femtosecond ultrasonic spectroscopy using a piezoelectric nanolayer: Hypersound attenuation in vitreous silica films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, Yu-Chieh; Guol, Shi-Hao; Chen, Hung-Pin; Sheu, Jinn-Kong; Sun, Chi-Kuang

2011-08-01

We report ultra-broadband ultrasonic spectroscopy with an impedance-matched piezoelectric nanolayer, which enables optical generation and detection of a 730-fs acoustic pulse (the width of ten lattice constants). The bandwidth improvement facilitates THz laser ultrasonics to bridge the spectral gap between inelastic light and x-ray scatterings (0.1-1 THz) in the studies of lattice dynamics. As a demonstration, this method is applied to measure sound attenuation α in a vitreous SiO2 thin film. Our results extend the existing low-frequency data obtained by ultrasonic-based and light scattering methods and also show a α∝ f2 behavior for frequencies f up to 650 GHz.

Acousto-optical imaging using a powerful long pulse laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rousseau, Guy; Blouin, Alain; Monchalin, Jean-Pierre

2008-06-01

Acousto-optical imaging is an emerging biodiagnostic technique which provides an optical spectroscopic signature and a spatial localization of an optically absorbing target embedded in a strongly scattering medium. The transverse resolution of the technique is determined by the lateral extent of ultrasound beam focal zone while the axial resolution is obtained by using short ultrasound pulses. Although very promising for medical diagnostic, the practical application of this technique is presently limited by its poor sensitivity. Moreover, any method to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio must obviously satisfy the in vivo safety limits regarding the acceptable power level of both the ultrasonic pressure wave and the laser beam. In this paper, we propose to improve the sensitivity by using a pulsed single-frequency laser source to raise the optical peak power applied to the scattering medium and to collect more ultrasonically tagged photons. Such a laser source also allows illuminating the tissues mainly during the transit time of the ultrasonic wave to maintain the average optical power below the maximum permissible exposure. In our experiment, a single-frequency Nd:YAG laser emitting 500-μs pulses with a peak power superior to 100 W was used. Photons were tagged in few-cm thick optical phantoms with tone bursts generated by an ultrasonic transducer. Tagged photons were detected with a GaAs photorefractive interferometer characterized by a large optical etendue to process simultaneously a large number of speckle grains. When pumped by high intensity laser pulses, such an interferometer also provides the fast response time essential to obtain an apparatus insensitive to the speckle decorrelation due to mechanical vibrations or tissues movements. The use of a powerful long pulse laser appears promising to enhance the signal level in ultrasound modulated optical imaging. When combined with a photorefractive interferometer of large optical etendue, such a source could

A Portable Ultrasonic Nondestructive Inspection System for Metal Matrix Composite Track Shoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mi, Bao; Zhao, Xiaoliang; Qian, Tao; Stevenson, Mark; Kwan, Chiman; Owens, Steven E.; Royer, Roger L.; Tittmann, Bernhard R.; Raju, Basavaraju B.

2007-03-01

Cast aluminum track shoes reinforced with metal matrix composite (MMC) inserts at heavy loading areas such as center splines and sprocket windows are light in weight, and can resist high temperature and wear. Various defects such as disbonds at the insert-substrate interface, cracks and porosity in the MMC layer, etc. can be introduced during the manufacturing process and/or in service. This paper presents a portable ultrasonic system to automatically inspect tank track shoes for disbond. Ultrasonic pulse/echo inspection has shown good reliability for disbond detection. A prototype sensor array fixture has been designed and fabricated to prove the feasibility. Good agreements between the sensor fixture results and ultrasonic C-scan images were obtained.

Study on boring hardened materials dryly by ultrasonic vibration cutter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jiangzhong; Zhang, Heng; Zhang, Yue

2011-05-01

It has been one of the difficulties that high-precision hole on hardened materials is machined. The supersonic vibration boring acoustic system in the lathe in which supersonic wave energy is applied on tool is introduced to create pulse power on the cutting process. The separation vibration cutting is achieved by the pulse force. The comparative tests on boring accuracy and surface quality are carried. The quality of surface machined by this method is compared to that by grinding. This cutting is the green cutting. The boring process system is stability. Under the condition that the cutting speed is less than or equal to 1/3 the tool vibration speed, the cutting force is pulse force and the Cutting energy is of high concentration in time, space and direction. The pulse energy effects on the cutting unit in less than one ten-thousandth second. Traditional cutting of irregular movement elastic compression are eliminated. The cutting force is greatly reduced. The cutting temperature is at room temperature. The tool life is greatly increased. Shape precision and surface quality is greatly improved. The regulations of the ultrasonic vibration boring dry cutting of hardened material are also summarized. The test results show that the ultrasonic vibration cutting tool boring is of very superior cutting mechanism and is a high-precision deep-hole machining of hardened materials, efficient cutting methods.

An airport wind shear detection and warning system using Doppler radar: A feasibility study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccarthy, J.; Blick, E. F.; Elmore, K. L.

1981-01-01

A feasibility study was conducted to determine whether ground based Doppler radar could measure the wind along the path of an approaching aircraft with sufficient accuracy to predict aircraft performance. Forty-three PAR approaches were conducted, with 16 examined in detail. In each, Doppler derived longitudinal winds were compared to aircraft measured winds; in approximately 75 percent of the cases, the Doppler and aircraft winds were in acceptable agreement. In the remaining cases, errors may have been due to a lack of Doppler resolution, a lack of co-location of the two sampling volumes, the presence of eddy or vortex like disturbances within the pulse volume, or the presence of point targets in antenna side lobes. It was further concluded that shrouding techniques would have reduced the side lobe problem. A ground based Doppler radar operating in the optically clear air, provides the appropriate longitudinal winds along an aircraft's intended flight path.

Non-contact ultrasonic defect imaging in composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tenoudji, F. Cohen; Citerne, J. M.; Dutilleul, H.; Busquet, D.

2016-02-01

In the situations where conventional NDT ultrasonic techniques using immersion of the part under inspection or its contact with the transducers cannot be used, in-air investigation presents an alternative. The huge impedance mismatch between the part material and air (transmission loss in the order of 80 dB for a thin metallic plate) induces having to deal very small signals and unfavorable signal to noise ratios. The approach adopted here is the use of the crack of a spark generated by an induction coil as a sound source and an electrostatic polyethylene membrane microphone as a receiver [1]. The advantage of this source is that the spark power is high (several kilowatts) and its power is directly coupled to air during the energy release. In some difficult situations, an elliptical mirror is used to concentrate the sound beam power on the surface of the part [2,3]. Stability and reproducibility of the sound generated by the spark, which are a necessity in order to perform quantitative evaluations, are achieved in our experiment. This permits also an increase of the signal to noise ratio by signal accumulation. The sound pulse duration of few microseconds allows operating in pulse echo in some circumstances. The bandwidth of the source is large, of several hundred of kilohertz, and that of the microphone above 100 kHz allow the flexibility to address different kinds of materials. The technique allows an easy, in-air, non contact, inspection of structural composite parts, with pulse waves, with an excellent signal to noise ratio. An X-Y ultrasonic scanning ultrasonic system for material inspection using this technique has been realized. Results obtained in transmission and reflection are presented. Defects in carbon composite plates and in honeycomb are imaged in transmission Echographic measurements show that defect detection can be performed in thin plates using Lamb waves propagation when only one sided inspection of the part is possible.

Ultrasonic Study of Dislocation Dynamics in Lithium -

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Myeong-Deok

1987-09-01

Experimental studies of dislocation dynamics in LiF single crystals, using ultrasonic techniques combined with dynamic loading, were performed to investigate the time evolution of the plastic deformation process under a short stress pulse at room temperature, and the temperature dependence of the dislocation damping mechanism in the temperature range 25 - 300(DEGREES)K. From the former, the time dependence of the ultrasonic attenuation was understood as resulting from dislocation multiplication followed by the evolution of mobile dislocations to immobile ones under large stress. From the latter, the temperature dependence of the ultrasonic attenuation was interpreted as due to the motion of the dislocation loops overcoming the periodic Peierls potential barrier in a manner analogous to the motion of a thermalized sine-Gordon chain under a small stress. The Peierls stress obtained from the experimental results by application of Seeger's relaxation model with exponential dislocation length distribution was 4.26MPa, which is consistent with the lowest stress for the linear relation between the dislocation velocity and stress observed by Flinn and Tinder.

Numerical experiment for ultrasonic-measurement-integrated simulation of three-dimensional unsteady blood flow.

PubMed

Funamoto, Kenichi; Hayase, Toshiyuki; Saijo, Yoshifumi; Yambe, Tomoyuki

2008-08-01

Integration of ultrasonic measurement and numerical simulation is a possible way to break through limitations of existing methods for obtaining complete information on hemodynamics. We herein propose Ultrasonic-Measurement-Integrated (UMI) simulation, in which feedback signals based on the optimal estimation of errors in the velocity vector determined by measured and computed Doppler velocities at feedback points are added to the governing equations. With an eye towards practical implementation of UMI simulation with real measurement data, its efficiency for three-dimensional unsteady blood flow analysis and a method for treating low time resolution of ultrasonic measurement were investigated by a numerical experiment dealing with complicated blood flow in an aneurysm. Even when simplified boundary conditions were applied, the UMI simulation reduced the errors of velocity and pressure to 31% and 53% in the feedback domain which covered the aneurysm, respectively. Local maximum wall shear stress was estimated, showing both the proper position and the value with 1% deviance. A properly designed intermittent feedback applied only at the time when measurement data were obtained had the same computational accuracy as feedback applied at every computational time step. Hence, this feedback method is a possible solution to overcome the insufficient time resolution of ultrasonic measurement.

High repetition ration solid state switched CO2 TEA laser employed in industrial ultrasonic testing of aircraft parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

von Bergmann, Hubertus; Morkel, Francois; Stehmann, Timo

2015-02-01

Laser Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is an important technique for the non-destructive inspection of composite parts in the aerospace industry. In laser UT a high power, short pulse probe laser is scanned across the material surface, generating ultrasound waves which can be detected by a second low power laser system and are used to draw a defect map of the part. We report on the design and testing of a transversely excited atmospheric pressure (TEA) CO2 laser system specifically optimised for laser UT. The laser is excited by a novel solid-state switched pulsing system and utilises either spark or corona preionisation. It provides short output pulses of less than 100 ns at repetition rates of up to 1 kHz, optimised for efficient ultrasonic wave generation. The system has been designed for highly reliable operation under industrial conditions and a long term test with total pulse counts in excess of 5 billion laser pulses is reported.

Underwater detection by using ultrasonic sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakar, S. A. A.; Ong, N. R.; Aziz, M. H. A.; Alcain, J. B.; Haimi, W. M. W. N.; Sauli, Z.

2017-09-01

This paper described the low cost implementation of hardware and software in developing the system of ultrasonic which can visualize the feedback of sound in the form of measured distance through mobile phone and monitoring the frequency of detection by using real time graph of Java application. A single waterproof transducer of JSN-SR04T had been used to determine the distance of an object based on operation of the classic pulse echo detection method underwater. In this experiment, the system was tested by placing the housing which consisted of Arduino UNO, Bluetooth module of HC-06, ultrasonic sensor and LEDs at the top of the box and the transducer was immersed in the water. The system which had been tested for detection in vertical form was found to be capable of reporting through the use of colored LEDs as indicator to the relative proximity of object distance underwater form the sensor. As a conclusion, the system can detect the presence of an object underwater within the range of ultrasonic sensor and display the measured distance onto the mobile phone and the real time graph had been successfully generated.

Comparison of NIRS, laser Doppler flowmetry, photoplethysmography, and pulse oximetry during vascular occlusion challenges.

PubMed

Abay, T Y; Kyriacou, P A

2016-04-01

Monitoring changes in blood volume, blood flow, and oxygenation in tissues is of vital importance in fields such as reconstructive surgery and trauma medicine. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), laser Doppler (LDF) flowmetry, photoplethysmography (PPG), and pulse oximetry (PO) contribute to such fields due to their safe and noninvasive nature. However, the techniques have been rarely investigated simultaneously or altogether. The aim of this study was to investigate all the techniques simultaneously on healthy subjects during vascular occlusion challenges. Sensors were attached on the forearm (NIRS and LDF) and fingers (PPG and PO) of 19 healthy volunteers. Different degrees of vascular occlusion were induced by inflating a pressure cuff on the upper arm. The responses of tissue oxygenation index (NIRS), tissue haemoglobin index (NIRS), flux (LDF), perfusion index (PPG), and arterial oxygen saturation (PO) have been recorded and analyzed. Moreover, the optical densities were calculated from slow varying dc PPG, in order to distinguish changes in venous blood volumes. The indexes showed significant changes (p  <  0.05) in almost all occlusions, either venous or over-systolic occlusions. However, differentiation between venous and arterial occlusion by LDF may be challenging and the perfusion index (PI) may not be adequate to indicate venous occlusions. Optical densities may be an additional tool to detect venous occlusions by PPG.

Doppler Football

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiz, Michael J.; Abee, Jeremy

2006-10-01

In this paper we present a design for a Doppler football. The classic Doppler ball uses a piezo buzzer and 9-V battery inside a foam ball. In our Doppler football, the sound level is enhanced by directing the 2.8-kHz tone of the buzzer through a hollow cylinder to one end of the football, with an on-off switch placed at the other end. We discuss our device within the historical context of Doppler demonstrations that have evolved over the many decades since Doppler's discovery.

Transcranial power M-mode Doppler ultrasound for diagnosis of patent foramen ovale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moehring, Mark; Spencer, Merrill

2005-04-01

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a right-to-left shunt (RLS) which communicates blood from the right to left atrium of the heart. PFO has been associated with stroke and, more recently, with migraine headache. Diagnosis of RLS can be accomplished effectively with transcranial power M-mode Doppler ultrasound (PMD). PMD is a modality which can be performed without the sedation required by the more invasive diagnostic technique using transesophageal echocardiography. PMD for this application consists of 2 MHz pulse Doppler ultrasound with placement of sample gates at 2 mm intervals along the single-transducer beam axis, and 8 kHz pulse repetition rate (PMD100M, Spencer Technologies). Doppler power versus depth is constructed every 4ms, using 33 sample gates. Bubble microemboli injected in the venous system and moving across a PFO present as high intensity tracks on a PMD image, as emboli transit from the heart to the brain and through the observed cerebral vasculature. Use of PMD in this context has been reported in the clinical literature [M. P. Spencer, M. A. Moehring, J. Jesurum et al, J. Neuroimaging 14, 342-349 (2004)]. This talk surveys the basic technical features of PMD for sensing PFO-related showers of bubble microemboli, and how these features provide clues to the severity of PFO.

Doppler lidar wind measurement with the edge technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korb, C. Laurence; Gentry, Bruce M.

1992-01-01

The edge technique is a new and powerful method for measuring small frequency shifts. Range resolved lidar measurements of winds can be made with high accuracy and high vertical resolution using the edge technique to measure the Doppler shift of an atmospheric backscattered signal from a pulsed laser. The edge technique can be used at near-infrared or visible wavelengths using well developed solid state lasers and detectors with various edge filters. In the edge technique, the laser frequency is located on the steep slope of the spectral response function of a high resolution optical filter. Due to the steep slope of the edge, very small frequency shifts cause large changes in measured signal. The frequency of the outgoing laser pulse is determined by measuring its location on the edge of the filter. This is accomplished by sending a small portion of the beam to the edge detection setup where the incoming light is split into two channels - an edge filter and an energy monitor channel. The energy monitor signal is used to normalize the edge filter signal for magnitude. The laser return backscattered from the atmosphere is collected by a telescope and directed through the edge detection setup to determine its frequency (location on the edge) in a similar manner for each range element. The Doppler shift, and thus the wind, is determined from a differential measurement of the frequency of the outgoing laser pulse and the frequency of the laser return backscattered from the atmosphere. We have conducted simulations of the performance of an edge lidar system using an injection seeded pulsed Nd:YAG laser at 1.06 microns. The central fringe of a Fabry-Perot etalon is used as a high resolution edge filter to measure the shift of the aerosol return.

Error-eliminating rapid ultrasonic firing

DOEpatents

Borenstein, Johann; Koren, Yoram

1993-08-24

A system for producing reliable navigation data for a mobile vehicle, such as a robot, combines multiple range samples to increase the "confidence" of the algorithm in the existence of an obstacle. At higher vehicle speed, it is crucial to sample each sensor quickly and repeatedly to gather multiple samples in time to avoid a collision. Erroneous data is rejected by delaying the issuance of an ultrasonic energy pulse by a predetermined wait-period, which may be different during alternate ultrasonic firing cycles. Consecutive readings are compared, and the corresponding data is rejected if the readings differ by more than a predetermined amount. The rejection rate for the data is monitored and the operating speed of the navigation system is reduced if the data rejection rate is increased. This is useful to distinguish and eliminate noise from the data which truly represents the existence of an article in the field of operation of the vehicle.

Error-eliminating rapid ultrasonic firing

DOEpatents

Borenstein, J.; Koren, Y.

1993-08-24

A system for producing reliable navigation data for a mobile vehicle, such as a robot, combines multiple range samples to increase the confidence'' of the algorithm in the existence of an obstacle. At higher vehicle speed, it is crucial to sample each sensor quickly and repeatedly to gather multiple samples in time to avoid a collision. Erroneous data is rejected by delaying the issuance of an ultrasonic energy pulse by a predetermined wait-period, which may be different during alternate ultrasonic firing cycles. Consecutive readings are compared, and the corresponding data is rejected if the readings differ by more than a predetermined amount. The rejection rate for the data is monitored and the operating speed of the navigation system is reduced if the data rejection rate is increased. This is useful to distinguish and eliminate noise from the data which truly represents the existence of an article in the field of operation of the vehicle.

Optical Production and Detection of Ultrasonic Waves in Metals for Nondestructive Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrison, R. A.

1972-01-01

Ultrasonic waves were produced by striking the surface of a metal with the focused one-joule pulse of a Q-switched ruby laser. Rayleigh (surface) waves and longitudinal waves were detected with conventional transducers. Optical methods of detection were tested and developed. Rayleigh waves were produced with an oscillator and transducer. They were optically detected on curved polished surfaces, and on unpolished surfaces. The technique uses a knife edge to detect small angle changes of the surface as the wave pulse passes the illuminated spot. Optical flaw detection using pulse echo and attenuation is demonstrated.

Development of carbon dioxide laser doppler instrumentation detection of clear air turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sonnenschein, C.; Jelalian, A.; Keene, W.

1970-01-01

The analytical, experimental, and developmental aspects of an airborne, pulsed, carbon dioxide laser-optical radar system are described. The laser detects clear air turbulence and performs Doppler measurements of this air-motion phenomenon. Conclusions and recommendations arising from the development of the laser system are presented.

Energy shadowing correction of ultrasonic pulse-echo records by digital signal processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kishonio, D.; Heyman, J. S.

1985-01-01

A numerical algorithm is described that enables the correction of energy shadowing during the ultrasonic testing of bulk materials. In the conventional method, an ultrasonic transducer transmits sound waves into a material that is immersed in water so that discontinuities such as defects can be revealed when the waves are reflected and then detected and displayed graphically. Since a defect that lies behind another defect is shadowed in that it receives less energy, the conventional method has a major drawback. The algorithm normalizes the energy of the incoming wave by measuring the energy of the waves reflected off the water/air interface. The algorithm is fast and simple enough to be adopted for real time applications in industry. Images of material defects with the shadowing corrections permit more quantitative interpretation of the material state.

Qualification Testing of Laser Diode Pump Arrays for a Space-Based 2-micron Coherent Doppler Lidar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Amzajerdian, Farzin; Meadows, Byron L.; Baker, Nathaniel R.; Barnes, Bruce W.; Singh, Upendra N.; Kavaya, Michael J.

2007-01-01

The 2-micron thulium and holmium-based lasers being considered as the transmitter source for space-based coherent Doppler lidar require high power laser diode pump arrays operating in a long pulse regime of about 1 msec. Operating laser diode arrays over such long pulses drastically impact their useful lifetime due to the excessive localized heating and substantial pulse-to-pulse thermal cycling of their active regions. This paper describes the long pulse performance of laser diode arrays and their critical thermal characteristics. A viable approach is then offered that allows for determining the optimum operational parameters leading to the maximum attainable lifetime.

Advanced Recording and Preprocessing of Physiological Signals. [data processing equipment for flow measurement of blood flow by ultrasonics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bentley, P. B.

1975-01-01

The measurement of the volume flow-rate of blood in an artery or vein requires both an estimate of the flow velocity and its spatial distribution and the corresponding cross-sectional area. Transcutaneous measurements of these parameters can be performed using ultrasonic techniques that are analogous to the measurement of moving objects by use of a radar. Modern digital data recording and preprocessing methods were applied to the measurement of blood-flow velocity by means of the CW Doppler ultrasonic technique. Only the average flow velocity was measured and no distribution or size information was obtained. Evaluations of current flowmeter design and performance, ultrasonic transducer fabrication methods, and other related items are given. The main thrust was the development of effective data-handling and processing methods by application of modern digital techniques. The evaluation resulted in useful improvements in both the flowmeter instrumentation and the ultrasonic transducers. Effective digital processing algorithms that provided enhanced blood-flow measurement accuracy and sensitivity were developed. Block diagrams illustrative of the equipment setup are included.

Range discrimination in ultrasonic vibrometry: theory and experiment.

PubMed

Martin, J S; Rogers, P H; Gray, M D

2011-09-01

A technique has been developed to demodulate periodic broadband ultrasonic interrogation signals that are returned from multiple scattering sites to simultaneously determine the low-frequency displacement time histories of each individual site. The technique employs a broadband periodic transmit signal. The motions of scattering sites are separately determined from the echoed receive signal by an algorithm involving comb filtering and pulse synthesis. This algorithm permits spatial resolution comparable to pulse-echo techniques and displacement sensitivities comparable to pure-tone techniques. A system based on this technique was used to image transient audio-frequency displacements on the order of 1-10 μm peak (≥ 50 nm/√Hz) that were produced by propagating shear waves in a tissue phantom. The system used concentric transmitting and receiving transducers and a carrier signal centered at 2.5 MHz with an 800 kHz bandwidth. The system was self-noise-limited and capable of detecting motions of strongly reflecting regions on the order of 1 nm/√Hz. System performance is limited by several factors including signal selection, component hardware, and ultrasonic propagation within the media of interest. © 2011 Acoustical Society of America

Solitary waves of surface plasmon polariton via phase shifts under Doppler broadening and Kerr nonlinearity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, S.; Ahmad, A.; Bacha, B. A.; Khan, A. A.; Abdul Jabar, M. S.

2017-12-01

Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPPs) are theoretically investigated at the interface of a dielectric metal and gold. The output pulse from the dielectric is used as the input pulse for the generation of SPPs. The SPPs show soliton-like behavior at the interface. The solitary form of a SPP is maintained under the effects of Kerr nonlinearity, Doppler broadening and Fresnel dragging whereas its phase shift is significantly modified. A 0.3radian phase shift is calculated in the presence of both Kerr nonlinearity and Fresnel dragging in the absence of plasma motion. The phase shift is enhanced to 60radian due to the combined effect of Doppler broadening, Kerr nonlinearity and Fresnel dragging. The results may have significant applications in nano-photonics, optical tweezers, photovoltaic devices, plasmonster and sensing technology.

Ultrasonic sensing of GMAW: Laser/EMAT defect detection system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carlson, N.M.; Johnson, J.A.; Larsen, E.D.

1992-08-01

In-process ultrasonic sensing of welding allows detection of weld defects in real time. A noncontacting ultrasonic system is being developed to operate in a production environment. The principal components are a pulsed laser for ultrasound generation and an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) for ultrasound reception. A PC-based data acquisition system determines the quality of the weld on a pass-by-pass basis. The laser/EMAT system interrogates the area in the weld volume where defects are most likely to occur. This area of interest is identified by computer calculations on a pass-by-pass basis using weld planning information provided by the off-line programmer. Themore » absence of a signal above the threshold level in the computer-calculated time interval indicates a disruption of the sound path by a defect. The ultrasonic sensor system then provides an input signal to the weld controller about the defect condition. 8 refs.« less

Doppler lidar for measurement of atmospheric wind fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Menzies, Robert T.

1991-01-01

Measurements of wind fields in the earth's troposphere with daily global coverage is widely considered as a significant advance for forecasting and transport studies. For optimal use by NWP (Numerical Weather Prediction) models the horizontal and vertical resolutions should be approximately 100 km and 1 km, respectively. For boundary layer studies vertical resolution of a few hundred meters seems essential. Earth-orbiting Doppler lidar has a unique capability to measure global winds in the troposphere with the high vertical resolution required. The lidar approach depends on transmission of pulses with high spectral purity and backscattering from the atmospheric aerosol particles or layered clouds to provide a return signal. Recent field measurement campaigns using NASA research aircraft have resulted in collection of aerosol and cloud data which can be used to optimize the Doppler lidar instrument design and measurement strategy.

Ultrasonic characterization of silicate glasses, polymer composites and hydrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Wan Jae

In many applications of material designing and engineering, high-frequency linear viscoelastic properties of materials are essential. Traditionally, the high-frequency properties are estimated through the time-temperature superposition (WLF equation) of low-frequency data, which are questionable because the existence of multi-phase in elastomer compounds. Moreover, no reliable data at high frequencies over MHz have been available thus far. Ultrasound testing is cost-effective for measuring high-frequency properties. Although both ultrasonic longitudinal and shear properties are necessary in order to fully characterize high-frequency mechanical properties of materials, longitudinal properties will be extensively explored in this thesis. Ultrasonic pulse echo method measures longitudinal properties. A precision ultrasonic measurement system has been developed in our laboratory, which allows us to monitor the in-situ bulk and/or surface properties of silicate glasses, polymer composites and even hydrogels. The system consists of a pulse-echo unit and an impedance measurement unit. A pulse echo unit is explored mainly. First, a systematic procedure was developed to obtain precise water wavespeed value. A calibration curve of water wavespeed as a function of temperature has been established, and water wavespeed at 23°C serves as a yardstick to tell whether or not a setup is properly aligned. Second, a sound protocol in calculating attenuation coefficient and beam divergence effects was explored using three kinds of silicate glass of different thicknesses. Then the system was applied to four composite slabs, two slabs for each type of fiberglass reinforced plastics, phenolic and polyester manufactured under different processing conditions: one was made by the normal procedures and the other with deliberate flaws such as voids, tapes and/or prepared at improper operation temperature and pressure. The experiment was conducted under the double blind test protocol. After

Input-output characterization of an ultrasonic testing system by digital signal analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karaguelle, H.; Lee, S. S.; Williams, J., Jr.

1984-01-01

The input/output characteristics of an ultrasonic testing system used for stress wave factor measurements were studied. The fundamentals of digital signal processing are summarized. The inputs and outputs are digitized and processed in a microcomputer using digital signal processing techniques. The entire ultrasonic test system, including transducers and all electronic components, is modeled as a discrete-time linear shift-invariant system. Then the impulse response and frequency response of the continuous time ultrasonic test system are estimated by interpolating the defining points in the unit sample response and frequency response of the discrete time system. It is found that the ultrasonic test system behaves as a linear phase bandpass filter. Good results were obtained for rectangular pulse inputs of various amplitudes and durations and for tone burst inputs whose center frequencies are within the passband of the test system and for single cycle inputs of various amplitudes. The input/output limits on the linearity of the system are determined.

Dental hard tissue characterization using laser-based ultrasonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blodgett, David W.; Massey, Ward L.

2003-07-01

Dental health care and research workers require a means of imaging the structures within teeth in vivo. One critical need is the detection of tooth decay in its early stages. If decay can be detected early enough, the process can be monitored and interventional procedures, such as fluoride washes and controlled diet, can be initiated to help re-mineralize the tooth. Currently employed x-ray imaging is limited in its ability to visualize interfaces and incapable of detecting decay at a stage early enough to avoid invasive cavity preparation followed by a restoration. To this end, non-destructive and non-contact in vitro measurements on extracted human molars using laser-based ultrasonics are presented. Broadband ultrasonic waves are excited in the extracted sections by using a pulsed carbon-dioxide (CO2) laser operating in a region of high optical absorption in the dental hard tissues. Optical interferometric detection of the ultrasonic wave surface displacements in accomplished with a path-stabilized Michelson-type interferometer. Results for bulk and surface in-vitro characterization of caries are presented on extracted molars with pre-existing caries.

Interaction of Sound with Sound by Novel Mechanisms: Ultrasonic Four-Wave Mixing Mediated by a Suspension and Ultrasonic Three-Wave Mixing at a Free Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simpson, Harry Jay

Two mechanisms of sound interacting with sound are experimentally and theoretically investigated. Ultrasonic four-wave mixing in a dilute particle suspension, analogous to optical four-wave mixing in photorefractive materials, involves the interaction of three ultrasonic wavefields that produces a fourth scattered wavefield. The experimental configuration consists of two ultrasonic (800 kHz) pump waves that are used to produce a grating in a suspension of 25 μm diameter polymer particles in salt water. The pump waves are counter-propagating, which form a standing wavefield in the suspension and the less compressible particles are attracted to the pressure nodes in response to the time averaged radiation pressure. A higher frequency (2-10 MHz) ultrasonic wavefield is used to probe the resulting grating. The ultrasonic Bragg scattering is then measured. The scattering depends strongly on the response to the pump wave and is an unusual class of acoustical nonlinearity. Investigation of very small amplitude gratings are done by studying the temporal response of the Bragg scattering to a sudden turn on of a moderate amplitude pump wavefield in a previously homogeneous particle suspension. The Bragg scattering has been verified experimentally and is modeled for early-time grating formations using a sinusoidal grating. The larger amplitude gratings are studied in equilibrium and are modeled using an Epstein layer approximation. Ultrasonic three-wave mixing at a free surface involves the interaction of a high amplitude 400 kHz plane wavefield incident at 33^circ on a water-air interface with a normally incident high frequency (4.6 MHz) focused wavefield. The 400 kHz "pump" wavefield reflects from the surface and produces an oscillating surface displacement that forms a local traveling phase grating. Simultaneously the 4.6 MHz "probe" wavefield is reflected from the free surface. The grating scatters the focused probe wavefield and produces (or contributes to) spatially

Interaction of sound with sound by novel mechanisms: Ultrasonic four-wave mixing mediated by a suspension and ultrasonic three-wave mixing at a free surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simpson, Harry Jay

Two mechanisms of sound interacting with sound are experimentally and theoretically investigated. Ultrasonic four-wave mixing in a dilute particle suspension, analogous to optical four-wave mixing in photorefractive materials, involves the interaction of three ultrasonic wavefields that produces a fourth scattered wavefield. The experimental configuration consists of two ultrasonic (800 kHz) pump waves that are used to produce a grating in a suspension of 25 micron diameter polymer particles in salt water. The pump waves are counter-propagating, which form a standing wavefield in the suspension and the less compressible particles are attracted to the pressure nodes in response to the time averaged radiation pressure. A higher frequency (2 to 10 MHz) ultrasonic wavefield is used to probe the resulting grating. The ultrasonic Bragg scattering is then measured. The scattering depends strongly on the response to the pump wave and is an unusual class of acoustical nonlinearity. Investigation of very small amplitude gratings are done by studying the temporal response of the Bragg scattering to a sudden turn on of a moderate amplitude pump wavefield in a previously homogeneous particle suspension. The Bragg scattering has been verified experimentally and is modeled for early-time grating formations using a sinusoidal grating. The larger amplitude gratings are studied in equilibrium and are modeled using an Epstein layer approximation. Ultrasonic three-wave mixing at a free surface involves the interaction of a high amplitude 400 kHz plane wavefield incident at 33 degrees on a water-air interface with a normally incident high frequency (4.6 MHz) focused wavefield. The 400 kHz 'pump' wavefield reflects from the surface and produces an oscillating surface displacement that forms a local traveling phase grating. Simultaneously the 4.6 MHz 'probe' wavefield is reflected from the free surface. The grating scatters the focused probe wavefield and produces (or contributes to

High Temperature Ultrasonic Probe and Pulse-Echo Probe Mounting Fixture for Testing and Blind Alignment on Steam Pipes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lih, Shyh-Shiuh (Inventor); Takano, Nobuyuki (Inventor); Lee, Hyeong Jae (Inventor); Bao, Xiaoqi (Inventor); Badescu, Mircea (Inventor); Bar-Cohen, Yoseph (Inventor); Sherrit, Stewart (Inventor); Ostlund, Patrick N. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A high temperature ultrasonic probe and a mounting fixture for attaching and aligning the probe to a steam pipe using blind alignment. The high temperature ultrasonic probe includes a piezoelectric transducer having a high temperature. The probe provides both transmitting and receiving functionality. The mounting fixture allows the high temperature ultrasonic probe to be accurately aligned to the bottom external surface of the steam pipe so that the presence of liquid water in the steam pipe can be monitored. The mounting fixture with a mounted high temperature ultrasonic probe are used to conduct health monitoring of steam pipes and to track the height of condensed water through the wall in real-time.

All-Fiber Airborne Coherent Doppler Lidar to Measure Wind Profiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jiqiao; Zhu, Xiaopeng; Diao, Weifeng; Zhang, Xin; Liu, Yuan; Bi, Decang; Jiang, Liyuan; Shi, Wei; Zhu, Xiaolei; Chen, Weibiao

2016-06-01

An all-fiber airborne pulsed coherent Doppler lidar (CDL) prototype at 1.54μm is developed to measure wind profiles in the lower troposphere layer. The all-fiber single frequency pulsed laser is operated with pulse energy of 300μJ, pulse width of 400ns and pulse repetition rate of 10kHz. To the best of our knowledge, it is the highest pulse energy of all-fiber eye-safe single frequency laser that is used in airborne coherent wind lidar. The telescope optical diameter of monostatic lidar is 100 mm. Velocity-Azimuth-Display (VAD) scanning is implemented with 20 degrees elevation angle in 8 different azimuths. Real-time signal processing board is developed to acquire and process the heterodyne mixing signal with 10000 pulses spectra accumulated every second. Wind profiles are obtained every 20 seconds. Several experiments are implemented to evaluate the performance of the lidar. We have carried out airborne wind lidar experiments successfully, and the wind profiles are compared with aerological theodolite and ground based wind lidar. Wind speed standard error of less than 0.4m/s is shown between airborne wind lidar and balloon aerological theodolite.

Laser-Ultrasonic Testing and its Applications to Nuclear Reactor Internals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ochiai, M.; Miura, T.; Yamamoto, S.

2008-02-01

A new nondestructive testing technique for surface-breaking microcracks in nuclear reactor components based on laser-ultrasonics is developed. Surface acoustic wave generated by Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and detected by frequency-stabilized long pulse laser coupled with confocal Fabry-Perot interferometer is used to detect and size the cracks. A frequency-domain signal processing is developed to realize accurate sizing capability. The laser-ultrasonic testing allows the detection of surface-breaking microcrack having a depth of less than 0.1 mm, and the measurement of their depth with an accuracy of 0.2 mm when the depth exceeds 0.5 mm including stress corrosion cracking. The laser-ultrasonic testing system combined with laser peening system, which is another laser-based maintenance technology to improve surface stress, for inner surface of small diameter tube is developed. The generation laser in the laser-ultrasonic testing system can be identical to the laser source of the laser peening. As an example operation of the system, the system firstly works as the laser-ultrasonic testing mode and tests the inner surface of the tube. If no cracks are detected, the system then changes its work mode to the laser peening and improves surface stress to prevent crack initiation. The first nuclear industrial application of the laser-ultrasonic testing system combined with the laser peening was completed in Japanese nuclear power plant in December 2004.

Imaging and characterizing shear wave and shear modulus under orthogonal acoustic radiation force excitation using OCT Doppler variance method.

PubMed

Zhu, Jiang; Qu, Yueqiao; Ma, Teng; Li, Rui; Du, Yongzhao; Huang, Shenghai; Shung, K Kirk; Zhou, Qifa; Chen, Zhongping

2015-05-01

We report on a novel acoustic radiation force orthogonal excitation optical coherence elastography (ARFOE-OCE) technique for imaging shear wave and quantifying shear modulus under orthogonal acoustic radiation force (ARF) excitation using the optical coherence tomography (OCT) Doppler variance method. The ARF perpendicular to the OCT beam is produced by a remote ultrasonic transducer. A shear wave induced by ARF excitation propagates parallel to the OCT beam. The OCT Doppler variance method, which is sensitive to the transverse vibration, is used to measure the ARF-induced vibration. For analysis of the shear modulus, the Doppler variance method is utilized to visualize shear wave propagation instead of Doppler OCT method, and the propagation velocity of the shear wave is measured at different depths of one location with the M scan. In order to quantify shear modulus beyond the OCT imaging depth, we move ARF to a deeper layer at a known step and measure the time delay of the shear wave propagating to the same OCT imaging depth. We also quantitatively map the shear modulus of a cross-section in a tissue-equivalent phantom after employing the B scan.

Description and availability of airborne Doppler radar data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harrah, S. D.; Bracalente, E. M.; Schaffner, P. R.; Baxa, E. G.

1993-01-01

An airborne, forward-looking, pulse, Doppler radar has been developed in conjunction with the joint FAA/NASA Wind Shear Program. This radar represents a first in an emerging technology. The radar was developed to assess the applicability of an airborne radar to detect low altitude hazardous wind shears for civil aviation applications. Such a radar must be capable of looking down into the ground clutter environment and extracting wind estimates from relatively low reflectivity weather targets. These weather targets often have reflectivities several orders of magnitude lower than the surrounding ground clutter. The NASA radar design incorporates numerous technological and engineering achievements in order to accomplish this task. The basic R/T unit evolved from a standard Collins 708 weather radar, which supports specific pulse widths of 1-7 microns and Pulse Repetition Frequencies (PRF) of less than 1-10 kHz. It was modified to allow for the output of the first IF signal, which fed a NASA developed receiver/detector subsystem. The NASA receiver incorporated a distributed, high-speed digital attenuator, producing a range bin to range bin automatic gain control system with 65 dB of dynamic range. Using group speed information supplied by the aircraft's navigation system, the radar signal is frequency demodulated back to base band (zero Doppler relative to stationary ground). The In-phase & Quadrature-phase (I/Q) components of the measured voltage signal are then digitized by a 12-bit A-D converter (producing an additional 36 dB of dynamic range). The raw I/Q signal for each range bin is then recorded (along with the current radar & aircraft state parameters) by a high-speed Kodak tape recorder.

Thin Wall Pipe Ultrasonic Inspection through Paint Coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Predoi, Mihai Valentin; Petre, Cristian Cătălin

Classical ultrasonic inspection of welds is currently done for plates thicker than 8 mm. The inspection of but welds in thin walled pipes has considerable implementation difficulties, due to guided waves dominating ultrasonic pulses propagation. Generation of purely symmetric modes, either torsional or longitudinal, requires a circumferential uniform distribution of transducers and dedicated inspection equipment, which are increasing the inspection costs. Moreover, if the surface is paint coated, the received signals are close to the detection level. The present work implies a single transducer, coupled to the painted surface. The proper choice of the guided mode and frequency range, allows the detection of a standard, small diameter through thickness hole. In this way, the inspection of pipe welds can use the same equipment as for thick materials, with only wedge adaptation.

Spread-Spectrum Beamforming and Clutter Filtering for Plane-Wave Color Doppler Imaging.

PubMed

Mansour, Omar; Poepping, Tamie L; Lacefield, James C

2016-07-21

Plane-wave imaging is desirable for its ability to achieve high frame rates, allowing the capture of fast dynamic events and continuous Doppler data. In most implementations of plane-wave imaging, multiple low-resolution images from different plane wave tilt angles are compounded to form a single high-resolution image, thereby reducing the frame rate. Compounding improves the lateral beam profile in the high-resolution image, but it also acts as a low-pass filter in slow time that causes attenuation and aliasing of signals with high Doppler shifts. This paper introduces a spread-spectrum color Doppler imaging method that produces high-resolution images without the use of compounding, thereby eliminating the tradeoff between beam quality, maximum unaliased Doppler frequency, and frame rate. The method uses a long, random sequence of transmit angles rather than a linear sweep of plane wave directions. The random angle sequence randomizes the phase of off-focus (clutter) signals, thereby spreading the clutter power in the Doppler spectrum, while keeping the spectrum of the in-focus signal intact. The ensemble of randomly tilted low-resolution frames also acts as the Doppler ensemble, so it can be much longer than a conventional linear sweep, thereby improving beam formation while also making the slow-time Doppler sampling frequency equal to the pulse repetition frequency. Experiments performed using a carotid artery phantom with constant flow demonstrate that the spread-spectrum method more accurately measures the parabolic flow profile of the vessel and outperforms conventional plane-wave Doppler in both contrast resolution and estimation of high flow velocities. The spread-spectrum method is expected to be valuable for Doppler applications that require measurement of high velocities at high frame rates.

Study of ultrasonic thermometry based on ultrasonic time-of-flight measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Ruixi; Xiong, Qingyu; Wang, Lijie; Wang, Kai; Shen, Xuehua; Liang, Shan; Shi, Xin

2016-03-01

Ultrasonic thermometry is a kind of acoustic pyrometry and it has been evolving as a new temperature measurement technology for various environment. However, the accurate measurement of the ultrasonic time-of-flight is the key for ultrasonic thermometry. In this paper, we study the ultrasonic thermometry technique based on ultrasonic time-of-flight measurement with a pair of ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving signal. The ultrasonic transducers are installed in a single path which ultrasonic travels. In order to validate the performance of ultrasonic thermometry, we make a contrast about the absolute error between the measured temperature value and the practical one. With and without heater source, the experimental results indicate ultrasonic thermometry has high precision of temperature measurement.

Method and apparatus for characterizing reflected ultrasonic pulses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yost, William T. (Inventor); Cantrell, John H., Jr. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

The invention is a method of and apparatus for characterizing the amplitudes of a sequence of reflected pulses R1, R2, and R3 by converting them into corresponding electric signals E1, E2, and E3 to substantially the same value during each sequence thereby restoring the reflected pulses R1, R2, and R3 to their initial reflection values by timing means, an exponential generator, and a time gain compensator. Envelope and baseline reject circuits permit the display and accurate location of the time spaced sequence of electric signals having substantially the same amplitude on a measurement scale on a suitable video display or oscilloscope.

Bubble-Induced Color Doppler Feedback for Histotripsy Tissue Fractionation.

PubMed

Miller, Ryan M; Zhang, Xi; Maxwell, Adam D; Cain, Charles A; Xu, Zhen

2016-03-01

Histotripsy therapy produces cavitating bubble clouds to increasingly fractionate and eventually liquefy tissue using high-intensity ultrasound pulses. Following cavitation generated by each pulse, coherent motion of the cavitation residual nuclei can be detected using metrics formed from ultrasound color Doppler acquisitions. In this paper, three experiments were performed to investigate the characteristics of this motion as real-time feedback on histotripsy tissue fractionation. In the first experiment, bubble-induced color Doppler (BCD) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) analysis monitored the residual cavitation nuclei in the treatment region in an agarose tissue phantom treated with two-cycle histotripsy pulses at [Formula: see text] using a 500-kHz transducer. Both BCD and PIV results showed brief chaotic motion of the residual nuclei followed by coherent motion first moving away from the transducer and then rebounding back. Velocity measurements from both PIV and BCD agreed well, showing a monotonic increase in rebound time up to a saturation point for increased therapy dose. In a second experiment, a thin layer of red blood cells (RBC) was added to the phantom to allow quantification of the fractionation of the RBC layer to compare with BCD metrics. A strong linear correlation was observed between the fractionation level and the time to BCD peak rebound velocity over histotripsy treatment. Finally, the correlation between BCD feedback and histotripsy tissue fractionation was validated in ex vivo porcine liver evaluated histologically. BCD metrics showed strong linear correlation with fractionation progression, suggesting that BCD provides useful quantitative real-time feedback on histotripsy treatment progression.

Bubble-induced Color Doppler Feedback for Histotripsy Tissue Fractionation

PubMed Central

Miller, Ryan M.; Zhang, Xi; Maxwell, Adam; Cain, Charles; Xu, Zhen

2016-01-01

Histotripsy therapy produces cavitating bubble clouds to increasingly fractionate and eventually liquefy tissue using high intensity ultrasound pulses. Following cavitation generated by each pulse, coherent motion of the cavitation residual nuclei can be detected using metrics formed from ultrasound color Doppler acquisitions. In this paper, three experiments were performed to investigate the characteristics of this motion as real-time feedback on histotripsy tissue fractionation. In the first experiment, bubble-induced color Doppler (BCD) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) analysis monitored the residual cavitation nuclei in the treatment region in an agarose tissue phantom treated with 2-cycle histotripsy pulses at > 30 MPa using a 500 kHz transducer. Both BCD and PIV results showed brief chaotic motion of the residual nuclei followed by coherent motion first moving away from the transducer and then rebounding back. Velocity measurements from both PIV and BCD agreed well, showing a monotonic increase in rebound time up to a saturation point for increased therapy dose. In a second experiment, a thin layer of red blood cells (RBC) was added to the phantom to allow quantification of the fractionation of the RBC layer to compare with BCD metrics. A strong linear correlation was observed between the fractionation level and the time to BCD peak rebound velocity over histotripsy treatment. Finally, the correlation between BCD feedback and histotripsy tissue fractionation was validated in ex vivo porcine liver evaluated histologically. BCD metrics showed strong linear correlation with fractionation progression, suggesting that BCD provides useful quantitative real-time feedback on histotripsy treatment progression. PMID:26863659

Flight Testing of the TWiLiTE Airborne Molecular Doppler Lidar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gentry, Bruce; McGill, Matthew; Machan, Roman; Reed, Daniel; Cargo, Ryan; Wilkens, David J.; Hart, William; Yorks, John; Scott, Stan; Wake, Shane;

Doppler aortic flow velocity measurement in healthy children.

PubMed Central

Sohn, S.; Kim, H. S.

2001-01-01

To determine normal values for Doppler parameters of left ventricular function, ascending aortic blood flow velocity was measured by pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography in 63 healthy children with body surface area (BSA) < 1 m(2) (age < 10 yr). Peak velocity was independent of sex, but increased with body size. Mean acceleration was related to peak velocity (r = 0.75, p < 0.0001). Both stroke distance and ejection time had strong negative correlations with heart rate and positive correlations with BSA, suggesting that these parameters should be evaluated in relation to heart rate and body size. Mean intra- and interobserver variability for peak velocity, ejection time, stroke and minute distance ranged from 3 to 7%, whereas variability for acceleration time was 9 to 13%. These data may be used as reference values for the assessment of hemodynamic states in young children with cardiac disease. PMID:11306737

Contrast-enhanced power Doppler endosonography and pathological assessment of vascularization in advanced gastric carcinomas--a feasibility study.

PubMed

Iordache, Sevastiţa; Filip, Maria-Monalisa; Georgescu, Claudia-Valentina; Angelescu, Cristina; Ciurea, Tudorel; Săftoiu, Adrian

2012-06-01

Besides representing angiogenesis markers, microvascular density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are two important tools for the assessment of prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. The aim of our study was to assess the Doppler parameters (resistivity and pulsatility indexes) and vascularity index (VI) calculated by contrast-enhanced power Doppler endoscopic ultrasound (CEPD-EUS) in correlation with the expression of intra-tumoral MVD and VEGF in patients with gastric cancer. The study included 20 consecutive patients with advanced gastric carcinoma, but without distant metastasis at initial assessment. All the patients were assessed by contrast-enhanced power Doppler endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) combined with pulsed Doppler examinations in the late venous phase. The vascularity index (VI) was calculated before and after injection of second generation microbubble contrast specific agent (SonoVue 2.4 mL), used as a Doppler signal enhancer. Moreover, pulsed Doppler parameters (resistivity and pulsatility indexes) were further calculated. The correlation between power Doppler parameters and pathological/molecular parameters (MVD assessed through immunohistochemistry with CD31 and CD34, as well as VEGF assessed through real-time PCR) was assessed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used for the assessment of prognosis. Significantly statistical correlations were found between post-contrast VI and CD34 (p=0.0226), VEGF (p=0.0231), VEGF-A (p=0.0464) and VEGF-B (p=0.0022) while pre-contrast VI was correlated only with CD34 expression. Pulsatility index and resistivity index were not correlated with MVD or VEGF expression. Survival analysis demonstrated that VEGF-A is an accurate parameter for survival rate (p=0.045), as compared to VEGF (p=0.085) and VEGF-B (p=0.230). We did not find any correlation between the survival rate and ultrasound parameters (RI, PI, pre-contrast VI or post-contrast VI). Assessment of tumor vascularity using contrast

WIND MEASUREMENTS WITH HIGH-ENERGY DOPPLER LIDAR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koch, Grady J.; Kavaya, Michael J.; Barnes, Bruce W.; Beyon, Jeffrey Y.; Petros, Mulugeta; Jirong, Yu; Amzajerdian, Farzin; Slingh, Upendra N.

2006-01-01

Coherent lidars at 2-micron wavelengths from holmium or thulium solid-state lasers have been in use to measure wind for applications in meteorology, aircraft wake vortex tracking, and turbulence detection [1,2,3] These field-deployed lidars, however, have generally been of a pulse energy of a few millijoules, limiting their range capability or restricting operation to regions of high aerosol concentration such as the atmospheric boundary layer. Technology improvements in the form of high-energy pulsed lasers, low noise detectors, and high optical quality telescopes are being evaluated to make wind measurements to long ranges or low aerosol concentrations. This research is aimed at developing lidar technology for satellite-based observation of wind on a global scale. The VALIDAR project was initiated to demonstrate a high pulse energy coherent Doppler lidar. VALIDAR gets its name from the concept of validation lidar, in that it can serve as a calibration and validation source for future airborne and spaceborne lidar missions. VALIDAR is housed within a mobile trailer for field measurements.

In Vivo Determination of the Complex Elastic Moduli of Cetacean Head Tissue

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-30

and with harvested tissue samples. In vivo testing will be conducted on Navy dolphins . Ultrasound parameters (peak negative pressure, time averaged...A synthetic material was developed which mimicks the ultrasonic properties of living bottlenose dolphin soft tissues. RESULTS 1. System...NIVMS) and with a laser doppler vibrometer (Polytec PDV-100). A variety of pulse drive levels, durations, and bandwidths for both ultrasound

Ultrasonic characterization of the nonlinear elastic properties of unidirectional graphite/epoxy composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prosser, William H.

1987-01-01

The theoretical treatment of linear and nonlinear elasticity in a unidirectionally fiber reinforced composite as well as measurements for a unidirectional graphite/epoxy composite (T300/5208) are presented. Linear elastic properties were measured by both ultrasonic and strain gage measurements. The nonlinear properties were determined by measuring changes in ultrasonic natural phase velocity with a pulsed phase locked loop interferometer as a function of stress and temperature. These measurements provide the basis for further investigations into the relationship between nonlinear elastic properties and other important properties such as strength and fiber-matrix interfacial stength in graphite/epoxy composites.

Experiment and numerical simulation for laser ultrasonic measurement of residual stress.

PubMed

Zhan, Yu; Liu, Changsheng; Kong, Xiangwei; Lin, Zhongya

2017-01-01

Laser ultrasonic is a most promising method for non-destructive evaluation of residual stress. The residual stress of thin steel plate is measured by laser ultrasonic technique. The pre-stress loading device is designed which can easily realize the condition of the specimen being laser ultrasonic tested at the same time in the known stress state. By the method of pre-stress loading, the acoustoelastic constants are obtained and the effect of different test directions on the results of surface wave velocity measurement is discussed. On the basis of known acoustoelastic constants, the longitudinal and transverse welding residual stresses are measured by the laser ultrasonic technique. The finite element method is used to simulate the process of surface wave detection of welding residual stress. The pulsed laser is equivalent to the surface load and the relationship between the physical parameters of the laser and the load is established by the correction coefficient. The welding residual stress of the specimen is realized by the ABAQUS function module of predefined field. The results of finite element analysis are in good agreement with the experimental method. The simple and effective numerical and experimental methods for laser ultrasonic measurement of residual stress are demonstrated. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Echocardiographic nomograms for upper abdominal aorta Doppler systolic wave values and systo-diastolic diameters variations in children.

PubMed

Cantinotti, Massimiliano; Giordano, Raffaele; Corsini, Iuri; Dani, Carlo; Scalese, Marco; Murzi, Bruno; Assanta, Nadia; Spadoni, Isabella; Molinaro, Sabrina; Kutty, Shelby; Iervasi, Giorgio; Franchi, Eliana

2018-04-01

Abdominal aorta pulsatility and blood flow patterns are important diagnostic indicators in congenital heart disease. Reference values for these indexes are lacking. We prospectively studied abdominal aorta pulsed-wave Doppler systolic peak velocity, deceleration time, and wave duration, and two-dimensional vessel diameters in systole and diastole in healthy Caucasian children. Heteroscedasticity was accounted for by White or Breusch-Pagan test. Age, weight, height, heart rate (HR), and body surface area (BSA) were used as independent variables in different analyses to predict the mean values of each measurement. Structured Z-scores were then computed. In all, 853 subjects (age 0 days to 17 years; 45% females; BSA 0.12-2.12m 2 ) were studied. The predicted values and Z-score boundaries are presented. Data are also presented as mean±2 SDs for a given BSA. We report paediatric echocardiographic nomograms for multiple proximal abdominal aorta parameters including pulsed-wave Doppler systolic velocities, deceleration time, wave duration, and two-dimensional vessel diameter variations. Significant variations in these functional indexes with age were found that should be taken into account in clinical practice. At lower ages, steeper and shorter pulsed-wave Doppler peak velocity and limited pulsatility should be expected as physiologic findings. Copyright © 2017 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Micro-Doppler Signal Time-Frequency Algorithm Based on STFRFT.

PubMed

Pang, Cunsuo; Han, Yan; Hou, Huiling; Liu, Shengheng; Zhang, Nan

2016-09-24

This paper proposes a time-frequency algorithm based on short-time fractional order Fourier transformation (STFRFT) for identification of a complicated movement targets. This algorithm, consisting of a STFRFT order-changing and quick selection method, is effective in reducing the computation load. A multi-order STFRFT time-frequency algorithm is also developed that makes use of the time-frequency feature of each micro-Doppler component signal. This algorithm improves the estimation accuracy of time-frequency curve fitting through multi-order matching. Finally, experiment data were used to demonstrate STFRFT's performance in micro-Doppler time-frequency analysis. The results validated the higher estimate accuracy of the proposed algorithm. It may be applied to an LFM (Linear frequency modulated) pulse radar, SAR (Synthetic aperture radar), or ISAR (Inverse synthetic aperture radar), for improving the probability of target recognition.

Preliminary study of ultrasonic structural quality control of Swiss-type cheese.

PubMed

Eskelinen, J J; Alavuotunki, A P; Haeggström, E; Alatossava, T

2007-09-01

There is demand for a new nondestructive cheese-structure analysis method for Swiss-type cheese. Such a method would provide the cheese-making industry the means to enhance process control and quality assurance. This paper presents a feasibility study on ultrasonic monitoring of the structural quality of Swiss cheese by using a single-transducer 2-MHz longitudinal mode pulse-echo setup. A volumetric ultrasonic image of a cheese sample featuring gas holes (cheese-eyes) and defects (cracks) in the scan area is presented. The image is compared with an optical reference image constructed from dissection images of the same sample. The results show that the ultrasonic method is capable of monitoring the gas-solid structure of the cheese during the ripening process. Moreover, the method can be used to detect and to characterize cheese-eyes and cracks in ripened cheese. Industrial application demands were taken into account when conducting the measurements.

Wireless ultrasonic wavefield imaging via laser for hidden damage detection inside a steel box girder bridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Yun-Kyu; Song, Homin; Sohn, Hoon

2014-09-01

This paper presents a wireless ultrasonic wavefield imaging (WUWI) technique for detecting hidden damage inside a steel box girder bridge. The proposed technique allows (1) complete wireless excitation of piezoelectric transducers and noncontact sensing of the corresponding responses using laser beams, (2) autonomous damage visualization without comparing against baseline data previously accumulated from the pristine condition of a target structure and (3) robust damage diagnosis even for real structures with complex structural geometries. First, a new WUWI hardware system was developed by integrating optoelectronic-based signal transmitting and receiving devices and a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer. Next, a damage visualization algorithm, self-referencing f-k filter (SRF), was introduced to isolate and visualize only crack-induced ultrasonic modes from measured ultrasonic wavefield images. Finally, the performance of the proposed technique was validated through hidden crack visualization at a decommissioned Ramp-G Bridge in South Korea. The experimental results reveal that the proposed technique instantaneously detects and successfully visualizes hidden cracks even in the complex structure of a real bridge.

Ultrasonic infrared thermal wave nondestructive evaluation for crack detection of several aerospace materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Weichao; Shen, Jingling; Zhang, Cunlin; Tao, Ning; Feng, Lichun

2008-03-01

The applications of ultrasonic infrared thermal wave nondestructive evaluation for crack detection of several materials, which often used in aviation alloy. For instance, steel and carbon fiber. It is difficult to test cracks interfacial or vertical with structure's surface by the traditional nondestructive testing methods. Ultrasonic infrared thermal wave nondestructive testing technology uses high-power and low-frequency ultrasonic as heat source to excite the sample and an infrared video camera as a detector to detect the surface temperature. The ultrasonic emitter launch pulses of ultrasonic into the skin of the sample, which causes the crack interfaces to rub and dissipate energy as heat, and then caused local increase in temperature at one of the specimen surfaces. The infrared camera images the returning thermal wave reflections from subsurface cracks. A computer collects and processes the thermal images according to different properties of samples to get the satisfied effect. In this paper, a steel plate with fatigue crack we designed and a juncture of carbon fiber composite that has been used in a space probe were tested and get satisfying results. The ultrasonic infrared thermal wave nondestructive detection is fast, sensitive for cracks, especially cracks that vertical with structure's surface. It is significative for nondestructive testing in manufacture produce and application of aviation, cosmography and optoelectronics.

Ultrasonic monitoring of pitting corrosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jarvis, A. J. C.; Cegla, F. B.; Bazaz, H.; Lozev, M.

2013-01-01

Exposure to corrosive substances in high temperature environments can cause damage accumulation in structural steels, particularly in the chemical and petrochemical industries. The interaction mechanisms are complex and varied; however initial damage propagation often manifests itself in the form of localized areas of increased material loss. Recent development of an ultrasonic wall thickness monitoring sensor capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 500°C has allowed permanent monitoring within such hostile environments, providing information on how the shape of a pulse which has reflected from a corroding surface can change over time. Reconstructing localized corrosion depth and position may be possible by tracking such changes in reflected pulse shape, providing extra information on the state of the backwall and whether process conditions should be altered to increase plant life. This paper aims to experimentally investigate the effect certain localized features have on reflected pulse shape by `growing' artificial defects into the backwall while wall thickness is monitored using the sensor. The size and complexity of the three dimensional scattering problem lead to the development of a semi-analytical simulation based on the distributed point source method (DPSM) which is capable of simulating pulse reflection from complex surfaces measuring approximately 17×10λ Comparison to experimental results show that amplitude changes are predicted to within approximately 1dB and that pulse shape changes are accurately modelled. All experiments were carried out at room temperature, measurements at high temperature will be studied in the future.

The Application of Ultrasonic Inspection to Crimped Electrical Connections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cramer, K. Elliott; Perey, Daniel F.; Yost, William T.

2010-01-01

The development of a new ultrasonic measurement technique to quantitatively assess wire crimp terminations is discussed. The development of a prototype instrument, based on a modified, commercially available, crimp tool, is demonstrated for applying this technique when wire crimps are installed. The crimp tool has three separate crimping locations that accommodate the three different ferrule diameters. The crimp tool in this study is capable of crimping wire diameters ranging from 12 to 26 American Wire Gauge (AWG). A transducer design is presented that allows for interrogation of each of the three crimp locations on the crimp tool without reconfiguring the device. An analysis methodology, based on transmitted ultrasonic energy and timing of the first received pulse is shown to correlate to both crimp location in the tool and the AWG of the crimp/ferrule combination. The detectability of a number of the crimp failure pathologies, such as missing strands, partially inserted wires and incomplete crimp compression, is discussed. A wave propagation model, solved by finite element analysis, describes the compressional ultrasonic wave propagation through the junction during the crimping process.

Technical Note: A new phantom design for routine testing of Doppler ultrasound.

PubMed

Grice, J V; Pickens, D R; Price, R R

2016-07-01

The objective of this project is to demonstrate the principle and operation for a simple, inexpensive, and highly portable Doppler ultrasound quality assurance (QA) phantom intended for routine QA testing. A prototype phantom has been designed, fabricated, and evaluated. The phantom described here is powered by gravity alone, requires no external equipment for operation, and produces a stable fluid velocity useful for quality assurance. Many commercially available Doppler ultrasound testing systems can suffer from issues such as a lengthy setup, prohibitive cost, nonportable size, or difficulty in use. This new phantom design aims to address some of these problems and create a phantom appropriate for assessing Doppler ultrasound stability. The phantom was fabricated using a 3D printer. The basic design of the phantom is to provide gravity-powered flow of a Doppler fluid between two reservoirs. The printed components were connected with latex tubing and then seated in a tissue mimicking gel. Spectral Doppler waveforms were sampled to evaluate variations in the data, and the phantom was evaluated using high frame rate video to find an alternate measure of mean fluid velocity flowing in the phantom. The current system design maintains stable flow from one reservoir to the other for approximately 7 s. Color Doppler imaging of the phantom was found to be qualitatively consistent with laminar flow. Using pulsed spectral Doppler, the average fluid velocity from a sample volume approximately centered in the synthetic vessel was measured to be 56 cm/s with a standard deviation of 3.2 cm/s across 118 measurements. An independent measure of the average fluid velocity was measured to be 51.9 cm/s with a standard deviation of 0.7 cm/s over 4 measurements. The developed phantom provides stable fluid flow useful for frequent clinical Doppler ultrasound testing and attempts to address several obstacles facing Doppler phantom testing. Such an ultrasound phantom can make routine

Novel Real-Time Diagnosis of the Freezing Process Using an Ultrasonic Transducer

PubMed Central

Tseng, Yen-Hsiang; Cheng, Chin-Chi; Cheng, Hong-Ping; Lee, Dasheng

2015-01-01

The freezing stage governs several critical parameters of the freeze drying process and the quality of the resulting lyophilized products. This paper presents an integrated ultrasonic transducer (UT) in a stainless steel bottle and its application to real-time diagnostics of the water freezing process. The sensor was directly deposited onto the stainless steel bottle using a sol-gel spray technique. It could operate at temperature range from −100 to 400 °C and uses an ultrasonic pulse-echo technique. The progression of the freezing process, including water-in, freezing point and final phase change of water, were all clearly observed using ultrasound. The ultrasonic signals could indicate the three stages of the freezing process and evaluate the cooling and freezing periods under various processing conditions. The temperature was also adopted for evaluating the cooling and freezing periods. These periods increased with water volume and decreased with shelf temperature (i.e., speed of freezing). This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the ultrasonic sensor and technology for diagnosing and optimizing the process of water freezing to save energy. PMID:25946629

Quantitative characterization of color Doppler images: reproducibility, accuracy, and limitations.

PubMed

Delorme, S; Weisser, G; Zuna, I; Fein, M; Lorenz, A; van Kaick, G

1995-01-01

A computer-based quantitative analysis for color Doppler images of complex vascular formations is presented. The red-green-blue-signal from an Acuson XP10 is frame-grabbed and digitized. By matching each image pixel with the color bar, color pixels are identified and assigned to the corresponding flow velocity (color value). Data analysis consists of delineation of a region of interest and calculation of the relative number of color pixels in this region (color pixel density) as well as the mean color value. The mean color value was compared to flow velocities in a flow phantom. The thyroid and carotid artery in a volunteer were repeatedly examined by a single examiner to assess intra-observer variability. The thyroids in five healthy controls were examined by three experienced physicians to assess the extent of inter-observer variability and observer bias. The correlation between the mean color value and flow velocity ranged from 0.94 to 0.96 for a range of velocities determined by pulse repetition frequency. The average deviation of the mean color value from the flow velocity was 22% to 41%, depending on the selected pulse repetition frequency (range of deviations, -46% to +66%). Flow velocity was underestimated with inadequately low pulse repetition frequency, or inadequately high reject threshold. An overestimation occurred with inadequately high pulse repetition frequency. The highest intra-observer variability was 22% (relative standard deviation) for the color pixel density, and 9.1% for the mean color value. The inter-observer variation was approximately 30% for the color pixel density, and 20% for the mean color value. In conclusion, computer assisted image analysis permits an objective description of color Doppler images. However, the user must be aware that image acquisition under in vivo conditions as well as physical and instrumental factors may considerably influence the results.

Correlation between ocular pulse amplitude measured by dynamic contour tonometer and colour Doppler flow imaging of the arteric retrobulbar vessels.

PubMed

Marjanović, Ivan; Mijajlović, Milija; Covicković-Sternić, Nadezda; Kontić, Djordje; Hentova-Senćanić, Paraskeva; Marković, Vujica; Bozić, Marija

2011-01-01

An altered perfusion of the optic nerve head has been proposed as a pathogenic factor in glaucoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between ocular pulse amplitude (OPA), measured by Dynamic contour tonometer (DCT) and colour Doppler imaging (CDI) of the arteric retrobulbar vessels. Twenty patients older than 50 years were examined, and divided into two equal groups. The first group comprised of patients with normal tension glaucoma treated with topical antiglaucomatous therapy, and the second group included patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma suspicious without any antiglaucomatous therapy. Ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) was measured with DCT. CDI was also performed. We measured haemodynamic parameters of the internal carotid artery (ICA), ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and posterior ciliary arteries (PCA). Peak systolic (PSV), end-diastolic (EDV) velocities were measured, and resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were calculated. Correlation with OPA showed indirect servitude in the RI of the ICA, RI and PI of the CRA, in the first group; and in the PSV and EDV of the ICA, in the RI and PI of the OA, EDV and RI of the CRA, and RI of the PCA, in the second group Increase of OPA was mostly followed by the increase of the parameters (PSV, EDV, RI, and PI) of the arteric retrobulbar vessels in the first group; in the second group, increase of OPA was in almost 50% of parameters followed by their decrease.

Compact, High Energy 2-micron Coherent Doppler Wind Lidar Development for NASA's Future 3-D Winds Measurement from Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Upendra N.; Koch, Grady; Yu, Jirong; Petros, Mulugeta; Beyon, Jeffrey; Kavaya, Michael J.; Trieu, Bo; Chen, Songsheng; Bai, Yingxin; Petzar, paul;

Ultrasonic assessment of additive manufactured Ti-6Al-4V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schehl, Norman; Kramb, Vicki; Dierken, Josiah; Aldrin, John; Schwalbach, Edwin; John, Reji

2018-04-01

Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes offer the potential for manufacturing cost savings and rapid insertion into service through production of near net shape components for complicated structures. Use of these parts in high reliability applications such as those in the aerospace industry will require nondestructive characterization methods to ensure post-process material quality in as-built condition. Ultrasonic methods can be used for this quality verification. Depending on the application, the service life of AM components can be sensitive to the part surface condition. The surface roughness and layered structure inherent to the electron-beam powder-bed fusion process necessitates new approaches to evaluate subsurface material integrity in its presence. Experimental methods and data analytics may improve the evaluation of as-built additively manufactured materials. This paper discusses the assessment of additively manufactured EBM Ti-6Al-4V panels using ultrasonic methods and the data analytics applied to evaluate material integrity. The assessment was done as an exploratory study as the discontinuities of interest in these test samples were not known when the measurements were performed. Water immersion ultrasonic techniques, including pulse-echo and through transmission with 10 MHz focused transducers, were used to explore the material integrity of as-built plates. Subsequent destructive mechanical tests of specimens extracted from the plates provided fracture locations indicating critical flaws. To further understand the effect of surface-roughness, an evaluation of ultrasonic response in the presence of as-built surfaces and with the surface removed was performed. The assessment of additive manufactured EBM Ti-6Al-4V panels with ultrasonic techniques indicated that ultrasonic energy was attenuated by the as-built surface roughness. In addition, feature detection was shown to be sensitive to experimental ultrasonic parameters and flaw morphology.

The influence of changes in blood flow on the accuracy of pulse oximetry in humans.

PubMed

Vegfors, M; Lindberg, L G; Lennmarken, C

1992-05-01

Oxygen saturation (SpO2) was measured with a pulse oximeter in ten healthy, young men breathing air. A pulse oximeter probe was attached to the second toe and a laser Doppler probe to the first toe of the same foot for measurement of changes in peripheral blood flow. The pulse oximeter and laser Doppler readings were simultaneously compared when the foot was positioned 40 cm (position 1) above heart level, elevated 10 cm (position 2) above heart level and horizontally at heart level (position 3). Using this experimental human model, we achieved various blood flows. The AC and DC optical signals used for determination of oxygen saturation were recorded from the pulse oximeter and analysed. There was a significant increase (P less than 0.05) between position 1 and 3 in blood flow as measured by the laser Doppler flow meter. The corresponding pulse oximeter readings of haemoglobin saturation also increased significantly (P less than 0.05) comparing these two leg positions. Analysing the AC- and DC optical signals, the AC value of infrared light increased considerably, while the AC value of the red light decreased slightly. The DC values of red and infrared light did not change significantly. In summary, when blood flow was decreased, the ratio of red to infrared transmitted light was changed, resulting in a low SpO2 reading.

[The application of Doppler broadening and Doppler shift to spectral analysis].

PubMed

Xu, Wei; Fang, Zi-shen

2002-08-01

The distinction between Doppler broadening and Doppler shift has analyzed, Doppler broadening locally results from the distribution of velocities of the emitting particles, the line width gives the information on temperature of emitting particles. Doppler shift results when the emitting particles have a bulk non random flow velocity in a particular direction, the drift of central wavelength gives the information on flow velocity of emitting particles, and the Doppler shift only drifts the profile of line without changing the width. The difference between Gaussian fitting and the distribution of chord-integral line shape have also been discussed. The distribution of H alpha spectral line shape has been derived from the surface of limiter in HT-6M Tokamak with optical spectroscope multichannel analysis (OSMA), the result by double Gaussian fitting shows that the line shape make up of two port, the emitting of reflect particles with higher energy and the release particle from the limiter surface. Ion temperature and recycling particle flow velocity have been obtained from Doppler broadening and Doppler shift.

SonTek SL3G Side-Looking Doppler Current Meter application in Complex Flow Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagenaar, D.

2014-12-01

The SonTek Argonaut SL Side-Looking Doppler Current Meters are well established products in the measurement of real-time water velocity in open channels. With the development of acoustic doppler technology the decision was made to incorporate latest technology in the Argonaut SL and hence the SonTek SL3G was born.The SonTek SL3G Acoustic Doppler instrument incorporates a number of innovations that improves velocity measurements and quality assurance of data for Side-Looking Doppler Current Meters. SmartPulseHD was originally introduced with the launch of the SonTek M9/S5 RiverSurveyor Acoustic Doppler Instruments and the increased accuracy and resolution of velocity measurements made it obvious to include into the new SL3G instruments. SmartPulseHD continuously tracks the water conditions and selects the optimum processing configuration required using multiple ping types and processing techniques. The new SL3G design makes it the smallest Side Looking Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meter on the market reducing flow disturbance caused by the instrument and the distance of first measurement cell from boundary.The application of the SL3G Acoustic Doppler instrument is designed for complex flow conditions where the use of conventional stage-discharge relationships is economically not viable and therefore requires the use of velocity index methodology. The case-study presented in this paper is situated in the Colorado River downstream of Imperial Dam affected by controlled releases, drainage from adjacent irrigation areas and backwater from a weir situated downstream of the monitoring site. The paper analyses the relationship between measured mean velocity and index velocity and if additional variables such as stage and or Y-velocity need to be incorporated in the development of the index velocity rating. In addition, to determine the variables impacting on the index velocity rating, the index velocity applied will be evaluated by the best linear relationship between the

Nonlinear ultrasonic pulsed measurements and applications to metal processing and fatigue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yost, William T.; Cantrell, John H.; Na, Jeong K.

2001-04-01

Nonlinear ultrasonics research at NASA-Langley Research Center emphasizes development of experimental techniques and modeling, with applications to metal fatigue and metals processing. This review work includes a summary of results from our recent efforts in technique refinement, modeling of fatigue related microstructure contributions, and measurements on fatigued turbine blades. Also presented are data on 17-4PH and 410-Cb stainless steels. The results are in good agreement with the models.

Simulation of Low-Intensity Ultrasound Propagating in a Beagle Dog Dentoalveolar Structure to Investigate the Relations between Ultrasonic Parameters and Cementum Regeneration.

PubMed

Vafaeian, Behzad; Al-Daghreer, Saleh; El-Rich, Marwan; Adeeb, Samer; El-Bialy, Tarek

2015-08-01

The therapeutic effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption is believed to be brought about through mechanical signals induced by the low-intensity pulsed ultrasound. However, the stimulatory mechanism triggering dental cell response has not been clearly identified yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible relations between the amounts of new cementum regeneration and ultrasonic parameters such as pressure amplitude and time-averaged energy density. We used the finite-element method to simulate the previously published experiment on ultrasonic wave propagation in the dentoalveolar structure of beagle dogs. Qualitative relations between the thickness of the regenerated cementum in the experiment and the ultrasonic parameters were observed. Our results indicated that the areas of the root surface with greater ultrasonic pressure were associated with larger amounts of cementum regeneration. However, the establishment of reliable quantitative correlations between ultrasound parameters and cementum regeneration requires more experimental data and simulations. Copyright © 2015 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Air-Coupled Low Frequency Ultrasonic Transducers and Arrays with PMN-32%PT Piezoelectric Crystals

PubMed Central

Kazys, Rymantas J.; Sliteris, Reimondas; Sestoke, Justina

2017-01-01

Air-coupled ultrasonic techniques are being increasingly used for material characterization, non-destructive evaluation of composite materials using guided waves as well as for distance measurements. Application of those techniques is mainly limited by the big losses of ultrasonic signals due to attenuation and mismatch of the acoustic impedances of ultrasonic transducers and air. One of the ways to solve this problem is by application of novel more efficient piezoelectric materials like lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) type crystals. The objective of this research was the development and investigation of low frequency (<50 kHz) wide band air-coupled ultrasonic transducers and arrays with an improved performance using PMN-32%PT crystals. Results of finite element modelling and experimental investigations of the developed transducers and arrays are presented. For improvement of the performance strip-like matching elements made of low acoustic impedance, materials such as polystyrene foams were applied. It allowed to achieve transduction losses for one single element transducer −11.4 dB, what is better than of commercially available air-coupled ultrasonic transducers. Theoretical and experimental investigations of the acoustic fields radiated by the eight element ultrasonic array demonstrated not only a good performance of the array in a pulse mode, but also very good possibilities to electronically focus and steer the ultrasonic beam in space. PMID:28067807

Laser-Generated Ultrasonic Source for a Real-Time Dry-Contact Imaging System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petculescu, G.; Zhou, Y.; Komsky, I.; Krishnaswamy, S.

2006-03-01

A laser-generated ultrasonic source, to be used with a real-time imaging device, was developed. The ultrasound is generated in the thermoelastic regime, in a composite layer composed of absorbing particles (carbon) and silicone rubber. The composite layer plays three roles: of absorption, constriction and dry-coupling. The central frequency of the generated pulse was controlled by varying the absorption depth of the generation layer. The maximum peak frequency obtained was 4MHz. When additional constriction was provided to the composite layer, the amplitude of the generated signal increased further, due to the large thermal expansion coefficient of the silicone. Images using the laser-generated ultrasonic source were taken.

Mechanistic modeling of destratification in cryogenic storage tanks using ultrasonics.

PubMed

Jagannathan, T K; Mohanan, Srijith; Nagarajan, R

2014-01-01

Stratification is one of the main causes for vaporization of cryogens and increase of tank pressure during cryogenic storage. This leads subsequent problems such as cavitation in cryo-pumps, reduced length of storage time. Hence, it is vital to prevent stratification to improve the cost efficiency of storage systems. If stratified layers exist inside the tank, they have to be removed by suitable methods without venting the vapor. Sonication is one such method capable of keeping fluid layers mixed. In the present work, a mechanistic model for ultrasonic destratification is proposed and validated with destratification experiments done in water. Then, the same model is used to predict the destratification characteristics of cryogenic liquids such as liquid nitrogen (LN₂), liquid hydrogen (LH₂) and liquid ammonia (LNH₃). The destratification parameters are analysed for different frequencies of ultrasound and storage pressures by considering continuous and pulsed modes of ultrasonic operation. From the results, it is determined that use of high frequency ultrasound (low-power/continuous; high-power/pulsing) or low frequency ultrasound (continuous operation with moderate power) can both be effective in removing stratification. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Finite-amplitude, pulsed, ultrasonic beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coulouvrat, François; Frøysa, Kjell-Eivind

An analytical, approximate solution of the inviscid KZK equation for a nonlinear pulsed sound beam radiated by an acoustic source with a Gaussian velocity distribution, is obtained by means of the renormalization method. This method involves two steps. First, the transient, weakly nonlinear field is computed. However, because of cumulative nonlinear effects, that expansion is non-uniform and breaks down at some distance away from the source. So, in order to extend its validity, it is re-written in a new frame of co-ordinates, better suited to following the nonlinear distorsion of the wave profile. Basically, the nonlinear coordinate transform introduces additional terms in the expansion, which are chosen so as to counterbalance the non-uniform ones. Special care is devoted to the treatment of shock waves. Finally, comparisons with the results of a finite-difference scheme turn out favorable, and show the efficiency of the method for a rather large range of parameters.

Doppler echocardiographic evaluation of midventricular obstruction in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

PubMed

MacLea, H B; Boon, J A; Bright, J M

2013-01-01

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is heterogeneous in both people and cats, with variability in the distribution of hypertrophy, hemodynamic characteristics, and Doppler echocardiographic findings. To document the Doppler echocardiographic characteristics of midventricular obstruction in some cats with HCM. Eight cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Retrospective case series. The medical records of cats presenting to the cardiology service at Colorado State University between February 2009 and January 2012 were reviewed. All cats had a physical examination; Doppler systolic blood pressure measurement; and transthoracic two-dimensional (2D), M-mode, and Doppler echocardiography were performed. A more thorough evaluation of the echocardiographic images and measurements was performed. Cats included in this study had echocardiograms of adequate quality to confirm the diagnosis of midventricular obstruction by documentation of left midventricular concentric hypertrophy; a midventricular turbulent Doppler color flow pattern; and high velocity, late-peaking flow at the area of turbulence. Cats with evidence of systemic hypertension defined as a systolic Doppler blood pressure of greater than 170 mmHg were excluded. All 8 cats had left ventricular hypertrophy at the level of the papillary muscles; left, midventricular hypertrophy; and in 4/8 cats there was apical hypertrophy or basilar hypertrophy of the interventricular septum. Color flow Doppler revealed turbulent flow in 8/8 cats and spectral Doppler (continuous and pulsed wave) revealed increased flow velocities and late-peaking flow profiles at the level of the left midventricle. Two of 8 cats had a bifid midventricular flow profile in which there was a midsystolic decline in left ventricular velocities with elevated velocities extending into early diastole. The peak left ventricular outflow velocity in all 8 cats was normal. A variant of HCM characterized by hypertrophy at the level of the papillary muscles with

Enzyme-catalyzed synthesis and kinetics of ultrasonic-assisted biodiesel production from waste tallow.

PubMed

Adewale, Peter; Dumont, Marie-Josée; Ngadi, Michael

2015-11-01

The use of ultrasonic processing was evaluated for its ability to achieve adequate mixing while providing sufficient activation energy for the enzymatic transesterification of waste tallow. The effects of ultrasonic parameters (amplitude, cycle and pulse) and major reaction factors (molar ratio and enzyme concentration) on the reaction kinetics of biodiesel generation from waste tallow bio-catalyzed by immobilized lipase [Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB)] were investigated. Three sets of experiments namely A, B, and C were conducted. In experiment set A, two factors (ultrasonic amplitude and cycle) were investigated at three levels; in experiment set B, two factors (molar ratio and enzyme concentration) were examined at three levels; and in experiment set C, two factors (ultrasonic amplitude and reaction time) were investigated at five levels. A Ping Pong Bi Bi kinetic model approach was employed to study the effect of ultrasonic amplitude on the enzymatic transesterification. Kinetic constants of transesterification reaction were determined at different ultrasonic amplitudes (30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50%) and enzyme concentrations (4, 6, and 8 wt.% of fat) at constant molar ratio (fat:methanol); 1:6, and ultrasonic cycle; 5 Hz. Optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted biodiesel production from waste tallow were fat:methanol molar ratio, 1:4; catalyst level 6% (w/w of fat); reaction time, 20 min (30 times less than conventional batch processes); ultrasonic amplitude 40% at 5 Hz. The kinetic model results revealed interesting features of ultrasound assisted enzyme-catalyzed transesterification (as compared to conventional system): at ultrasonic amplitude 40%, the reaction activities within the system seemed to be steady after 20 min which means the reaction could proceed with or without ultrasonic mixing. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography indicated the biodiesel yield to be 85.6±0.08%. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultrasonic technique for detection of liquids in copper tubing process lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dudley, W. A.

1980-10-01

An ultrasonic pulse-echo method developed for semiquantitative measurement of liquid levels in copper tubing is described. This ultrasonic approach is of particular value when used as a pre-maintenance diagnostic tool in repairing process lines containing hazardous liquids. Performance tests show that water and similar liquids can be directly detected to fill levels as low as 1/16 in. For water fills below 1/16 in., direct level detection is impractical because of signal resolution limitations. However, this fill condition is indirectly measurable and is detected by the effect of observed degradation of the adjacent wall echo pattern. Fill conditions for liquids associated with high sound attenuation such as oil can be indirectly determined.

Implementation of efficient trajectories for an ultrasonic scanner using chaotic maps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almeda, A.; Baltazar, A.; Treesatayapun, C.; Mijarez, R.

2012-05-01

Typical ultrasonic methodology for nondestructive scanning evaluation uses systematic scanning paths. In many cases, this approach is time inefficient and also energy and computational power consuming. Here, a methodology for the scanning of defects using an ultrasonic echo-pulse scanning technique combined with chaotic trajectory generation is proposed. This is implemented in a Cartesian coordinate robotic system developed in our lab. To cover the entire search area, a chaotic function and a proposed mirror mapping were incorporated. To improve detection probability, our proposed scanning methodology is complemented with a probabilistic approach of discontinuity detection. The developed methodology was found to be more efficient than traditional ones used to localize and characterize hidden flaws.

Nondestructive characterization of thermal barrier coating by noncontact laser ultrasonic technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yang; Chen, Jianwei; Zhang, Zhenzhen

2015-09-01

We present the application of a laser ultrasonic technique in nondestructive characterization of the bonding layer (BL) in a thermal barrier coating (TBC). A physical mode of a multilayered medium is established to describe the propagation of a longitudinal wave generated by a laser in a TBC system. Furthermore, the theoretical analysis on the ultrasonic transmission in TBC is carried out in order to derive the expression of the BL transmission coefficient spectrum (TCS) which is used to determine the velocity of the longitudinal wave in the BL. We employ the inversion method combined with TCS to ascertain the attenuation coefficient of the BL. The experimental validations are performed with TBC specimens produced by an electron-beam physical vapor deposition method. In those experiments, a pulsed laser with a width of 10 ns is used to generate an ultrasonic signal while a two-wave mixing interferometer is created to receive the ultrasonic signals. By introducing the wavelet soft-threshold method that improves the signal-to-noise ratio, the laser ultrasonic testing results of TBC with an oxidation of 1 cycle, 10 cycles, and 100 cycles show that the attenuation coefficients of the BL become larger with an increase in the oxidation time, which is evident for the scanning electron microscopy observations, in which the thickness of the thermally grown oxide increases with oxidation time.

Low sidelobe level and high time resolution for metallic ultrasonic testing with linear-chirp-Golay coded excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jiaying; Gang, Tie; Ye, Chaofeng; Cong, Sen

2018-04-01

Linear-chirp-Golay (LCG)-coded excitation combined with pulse compression is proposed in this paper to improve the time resolution and suppress sidelobe in ultrasonic testing. The LCG-coded excitation is binary complementary pair Golay signal with linear-chirp signal applied on every sub pulse. Compared with conventional excitation which is a common ultrasonic testing method using a brief narrow pulse as exciting signal, the performances of LCG-coded excitation, in terms of time resolution improvement and sidelobe suppression, are studied via numerical and experimental investigations. The numerical simulations are implemented using Matlab K-wave toolbox. It is seen from the simulation results that time resolution of LCG excitation is 35.5% higher and peak sidelobe level (PSL) is 57.6 dB lower than linear-chirp excitation with 2.4 MHz chirp bandwidth and 3 μs time duration. In the B-scan experiment, time resolution of LCG excitation is higher and PSL is lower than conventional brief pulse excitation and chirp excitation. In terms of time resolution, LCG-coded signal has better performance than chirp signal. Moreover, the impact of chirp bandwidth on LCG-coded signal is less than that on chirp signal. In addition, the sidelobe of LCG-coded signal is lower than that of chirp signal with pulse compression.

Non-Destructive Evaluation of Depth of Surface Cracks Using Ultrasonic Frequency Analysis

PubMed Central

Her, Shiuh-Chuan; Lin, Sheng-Tung

2014-01-01

Ultrasonic is one of the most common uses of a non-destructive evaluation method for crack detection and characterization. The effectiveness of the acoustic-ultrasound Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) technique for the determination of the depth of the surface crack was presented. A method for ultrasonic sizing of surface cracks combined with the time domain and frequency spectrum was adopted. The ultrasonic frequency spectrum was obtained by Fourier transform technique. A series of test specimens with various depths of surface crack ranging from 1 mm to 8 mm was fabricated. The depth of the surface crack was evaluated using the pulse-echo technique. In this work, three different longitudinal waves with frequencies of 2.25 MHz, 5 MHz and 10 MHz were employed to investigate the effect of frequency on the sizing detection of surface cracks. Reasonable accuracies were achieved with measurement errors less than 7%. PMID:25225875

Evaluation of ultrasonics and optimized radiography for 2219-T87 aluminum weldments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clotfelter, W. N.; Hoop, J. M.; Duren, P. C.

1975-01-01

Ultrasonic studies are described which are specifically directed toward the quantitative measurement of randomly located defects previously found in aluminum welds with radiography or with dye penetrants. Experimental radiographic studies were also made to optimize techniques for welds of the thickness range to be used in fabricating the External Tank of the Space Shuttle. Conventional and innovative ultrasonic techniques were applied to the flaw size measurement problem. Advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed. Flaw size data obtained ultrasonically were compared to radiographic data and to real flaw sizes determined by destructive measurements. Considerable success was achieved with pulse echo techniques and with 'pitch and catch' techniques. The radiographic work described demonstrates that careful selection of film exposure parameters for a particular application must be made to obtain optimized flaw detectability. Thus, film exposure techniques can be improved even though radiography is an old weld inspection method.

Novel Real-Time Temperature Diagnosis of Conventional Hot-Embossing Process Using an Ultrasonic Transducer

PubMed Central

Cheng, Chin-Chi; Yang, Sen-Yeu; Lee, Dasheng

2014-01-01

This paper presents an integrated high temperature ultrasonic transducer (HTUT) on a sensor insert and its application for real-time diagnostics of the conventional hot embossing process to fabricate V-cut patterns. The sensor was directly deposited onto the sensor insert of the hot embossing mold by using a sol-gel spray technique. It could operate at temperatures higher than 400 °C and uses an ultrasonic pulse-echo technique. The ultrasonic velocity could indicate the three statuses of the hot embossing process and also evaluate the replication of V-cut patterns on a plastic plate under various processing conditions. The progression of the process, including mold closure, plastic plate softening, cooling and plate detachment inside the mold, was clearly observed using ultrasound. For an ultrasonic velocity range from 2197.4 to 2435.9 m/s, the height of the V-cut pattern decreased from 23.0 to 3.2 μm linearly, with a ratio of −0.078 μm/(m/s). The incompleteness of the replication of the V-cut patterns could be indirectly observed by the ultrasonic signals. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the ultrasonic sensors and technology for diagnosing the replicating condition of microstructures during the conventional hot embossing process. PMID:25330051

A study on laser-based ultrasonic technique by the use of guided wave tomographic imaging

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Junpil, E-mail: jpp@pusan.ac.kr; Lim, Juyoung, E-mail: jpp@pusan.ac.kr; Cho, Younho

2015-03-31

Guided wave tests are impractical for investigating specimens with limited accessibility and coarse surfaces or geometrically complicated features. A non-contact setup with a laser ultrasonic transmitter and receiver is the classic attractive for guided wave inspection. The present work was done to develop a non-contact guided-wave tomography technique by laser ultrasonic technique in a plate-like structure. A method for Lam wave generation and detection in an aluminum plate with a pulse laser ultrasonic transmitter and a Michelson interferometer receiver has been developed. In the images obtained by laser scanning, the defect shape and area showed good agreement with the actualmore » defect. The proposed approach can be used as a non-contact-based online inspection and monitoring technique.« less

Study to investigate and evaluate means of optimizing the radar function for the space shuttle. [(pulse radar)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Results are discussed of a study to define a radar and antenna system which best suits the space shuttle rendezvous requirements. Topics considered include antenna characteristics and antenna size tradeoffs, fundamental sources of measurement errors inherent in the target itself, backscattering crosssection models of the target and three basic candidate radar types. Antennas up to 1.5 meters in diameter are within specified installation constraints, however, a 1 meter diameter paraboloid and a folding, four slot backfeed on a two gimbal mount implemented for a spiral acquisition scan is recommended. The candidate radar types discussed are: (1) noncoherent pulse radar (2) coherent pulse radar and (3) pulse Doppler radar with linear FM ranging. The radar type recommended is a pulse Doppler with linear FM ranging. Block diagrams of each radar system are shown.

Ultrasonic pipe assessment

DOEpatents

Thomas, Graham H.; Morrow, Valerie L.; Levie, Harold; Kane, Ronald J.; Brown, Albert E.

2003-12-23

An ultrasonic pipe or other structure assessment system includes an ultrasonic transducer positioned proximate the pipe or other structure. A fluid connection between the ultrasonic transducer and the pipe or other structure is produced. The ultrasonic transducer is moved relative to the pipe or other structure.

Ultrasonic pretreatment in lipase-catalyzed synthesis of structured lipids with high 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol content.

PubMed

Liu, Si-lei; Dong, Xu-yan; Wei, Fang; Wang, Xiang; Lv, Xin; Zhong, Juan; Wu, Lin; Quek, Siew-young; Chen, Hong

2015-03-01

Production of structured lipid 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol (OPO), from tripalmitin (PPP) and oleic acid (OA) using lipases and ultrasonic pretreatment was conducted. Factors influencing both the ultrasonic conditions and enzymatic reaction were investigated. Optimum conditions could be attained with 6 min pretreatment time, 50% ultrasonic power, 3 s/9 s (work/pause) cycle of ultrasonic pulse, 1:8 PPP/OA molar ratio, 12% enzyme dosage and 50 °C temperature of. At the optimum conditions, the OPO yield of 51.8% could be achieved in 4h. Studies showed that the OPO content increased to 35.9% in 1h with ultrasonic pretreatment, in comparison to 4h without ultrasonic pretreatment. Reuse of Lipozyme RM IM for 10 cycles under ultrasonic irradiation did not cause essential damage to its lipase activity. Reaction kinetic model fitted well with the proposed Ping-Pong mechanism. The apparent kinetic constant (Vm'/K₂) of ultrasound pretreatment reaction was 2.52 times higher than the conventional mechanical stirring, indicating that ultrasound pretreatment enhanced the substrates affinity to the enzyme. This study confirmed that ultrasonic pretreatment was more efficient in OPO production than conventional mechanical agitation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Remote Sensing of Multi-Level Wind Fields with High-Energy Airborne Scanning Coherent Doppler Lidar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rothermel, Jeffry; Olivier, Lisa D.; Banta, Robert M.; Hardesty, R. Michael; Howell, James N.; Cutten, Dean R.; Johnson, Steven C.; Menzies, Robert T.; Tratt, David M.

1997-01-01

The atmospheric lidar remote sensing groups of NOAA Environmental Technology Laboratory, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, and Jet Propulsion Laboratory have developed and flown a scanning, 1 Joule per pulse, CO2 coherent Doppler lidar capable of mapping a three-dimensional volume of atmospheric winds and aerosol backscatter in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. Applications include the study of severe and non-severe atmospheric flows, intercomparisons with other sensors, and the simulation of prospective satellite Doppler lidar wind profilers. Examples of wind measurements are given for the marine boundary layer and near the coastline of the western United States.

Remote sensing of multi-level wind fields with high-energy airborne scanning coherent Doppler lidar.

PubMed

Rothermel, J; Olivier, L; Banta, R; Hardesty, R M; Howell, J; Cutten, D; Johnson, S; Menzies, R; Tratt, D M

1998-01-19

The atmospheric lidar remote sensing groups of NOAA Environmental Technology Laboratory, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, and Jet Propulsion Laboratory have developed and flown a scanning, 1 Joule per pulse, CO2 coherent Doppler lidar capable of mapping a three-dimensional volume of atmospheric winds and aerosol backscatter in the planetary boundary layer, free troposphere, and lower stratosphere. Applications include the study of severe and non-severe atmospheric flows, intercomparisons with other sensors, and the simulation of prospective satellite Doppler lidar wind profilers. Examples of wind measurements are given for the marine boundary layer and near the coastline of the western United States.

Computerized Ultrasonic Testing System (CUTS) for in-process thickness determination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frankel, J.; Doxbeck, M.; Schroeder, S. C.; Abbate, A.

1994-01-01

A Computerized Ultrasonic Testing System (CUTS) was developed to measure, in real-time, the rate of deposition and thickness of chromium plated on the inside of thick steel tubes. The measurements are made from the outside of the tubes with the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique. The resolution of the system is 2.5 micron. (0.0001 in.) and the accuracy is better than 10 micron (0.0004 in.). The thickness is measured using six transducers mounted at different locations on the tube. In addition, two transducers are mounted on two reference standards, thereby allowing the system to be continuously calibrated. The tube temperature varies during the process, thus the input from eight thermocouples, located at the measurement sites, is used to calculate and compensate for the change in return time of the ultrasonic echo due to the temperature dependence of the sound velocity. CUTS is applicable to any commercial process where real-time change of thickness of a sample has to be known, with the advantage of facilitating increased efficiency and of improving process control.

4D microvascular imaging based on ultrafast Doppler tomography.

PubMed

Demené, Charlie; Tiran, Elodie; Sieu, Lim-Anna; Bergel, Antoine; Gennisson, Jean Luc; Pernot, Mathieu; Deffieux, Thomas; Cohen, Ivan; Tanter, Mickael

2016-02-15

4D ultrasound microvascular imaging was demonstrated by applying ultrafast Doppler tomography (UFD-T) to the imaging of brain hemodynamics in rodents. In vivo real-time imaging of the rat brain was performed using ultrasonic plane wave transmissions at very high frame rates (18,000 frames per second). Such ultrafast frame rates allow for highly sensitive and wide-field-of-view 2D Doppler imaging of blood vessels far beyond conventional ultrasonography. Voxel anisotropy (100 μm × 100 μm × 500 μm) was corrected for by using a tomographic approach, which consisted of ultrafast acquisitions repeated for different imaging plane orientations over multiple cardiac cycles. UFT-D allows for 4D dynamic microvascular imaging of deep-seated vasculature (up to 20 mm) with a very high 4D resolution (respectively 100 μm × 100 μm × 100 μm and 10 ms) and high sensitivity to flow in small vessels (>1 mm/s) for a whole-brain imaging technique without requiring any contrast agent. 4D ultrasound microvascular imaging in vivo could become a valuable tool for the study of brain hemodynamics, such as cerebral flow autoregulation or vascular remodeling after ischemic stroke recovery, and, more generally, tumor vasculature response to therapeutic treatment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

On Limitations of the Ultrasonic Characterization of Pieces Manufactured with Highly Attenuating Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramos, A.; Moreno, E.; Rubio, B.; Calas, H.; Galarza, N.; Rubio, J.; Diez, L.; Castellanos, L.; Gómez, T.

Some technical aspects of two Spanish cooperation projects, funded by DPI and Innpacto Programs of the R&D National Plan, are discussed. The objective is to analyze the common belief about than the ultrasonic testing in MHz range is not a tool utilizable to detect internal flaws in highly attenuating pieces made of coarse-grained steel. In fact high-strength steels, used in some safe industrial infrastructures of energy & transport sectors, are difficult to be inspected using the conventional "state of the art" in ultrasonic technology, due to their internal microstructures are very attenuating and coarse-grained. It is studied if this inspection difficulty could be overcome by finding intense interrogating pulses and advanced signal processing of the acquired echoes. A possible solution would depend on drastically improving signal-to-noise-ratios, by applying new advances on: ultrasonic transduction, HV electronics for intense pulsed driving of the testing probes, and an "ad-hoc" digital processing or focusing of the received noisy signals, in function of each material to be inspected. To attain this challenging aim on robust steel pieces would open the possibility of obtaining improvements in inspecting critical industrial components made of highly attenuating & dispersive materials, as new composites in aeronautic and motorway bridges, or new metallic alloys in nuclear area, where additional testing limitations often appear.

Structured-illumination photoacoustic Doppler flowmetry of axial flow in homogeneous scattering media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ruiying; Yao, Junjie; Maslov, Konstantin I.; Wang, Lihong V.

2013-08-01

We propose a method for photoacoustic flow measurement based on the Doppler effect from a flowing homogeneous medium. Excited by spatially modulated laser pulses, the flowing medium induces a Doppler frequency shift in the received photoacoustic signals. The frequency shift is proportional to the component of the flow speed projected onto the acoustic beam axis, and the sign of the shift reflects the flow direction. Unlike conventional flowmetry, this method does not rely on particle heterogeneity in the medium; thus, it can tolerate extremely high particle density. A red-ink phantom flowing in a tube immersed in water was used to validate the method in both the frequency and time domains. The phantom flow immersed in an intralipid solution was also measured.

A Minicomputer Based Scheme for Turbulence Measurements with Pulsed Doppler Ultrasound

PubMed Central

Craig, J. I.; Saxena, Vijay; Giddens, D. P.

1979-01-01

The present paper describes the design and performance of a digital-based Doppler signal processing system that is currently being used in hemodynamics research on arteriosclerosis. The major emphasis is on the development of the digital signal processing technique and its implementation in a small but powerful minicomputer. The work reported on here is part of a larger ongoing effort that the authors are undertaking to study the structure of turbulence in blood flow and its relation to arteriosclerosis. Some of the techniques and instruments developed are felt to have a broad applicability to fluid mechanics and especially to pipe flow fluid mechanics.

Ultrasonic and metallographic studies on AISI 4140 steel exposed to hydrogen at high pressure and temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oruganti, Malavika

This thesis conducts an investigation to study the effects of hydrogen exposure at high temperature and pressure on the behavior of AISI 4140 steel. Piezoelectric ultrasonic technique was primarily used to evaluate surface longitudinal wave velocity and defect geometry variations, as related to time after exposure to hydrogen at high temperature and pressure. Critically refracted longitudinal wave technique was used for the former and pulse-echo technique for the latter. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to correlate the ultrasonic results with the microstructure of the steel and to provide better insight into the steel behavior. The results of the investigation indicate that frequency analysis of the defect echo, determined using the pulse-echo technique at regular intervals of time, appears to be a promising tool for monitoring defect growth induced by a high temperature and high pressure hydrogen-related attack.

Ultrasonic Interferometers Revisited

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenslade, Thomas B., Jr.

2007-01-01

I have been tinkering with ultrasonic transducers once more. In earlier notes I reported on optics-like experiments performed with ultrasonics, described a number of ultrasonic interferometers, and showed how ultrasonic transducers can be used for Fourier analysis. This time I became interested in trying the technique of using two detectors in…

Acousto-ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation of materials using laser beam generation and detection. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huber, Robert D.; Green, Robert E., Jr.

1990-01-01

The acousto-ultrasonic method has proven to be a most interesting technique for nondestructive evaluation of the mechanical properties of a variety of materials. Use of the technique or a modification thereof, has led to correlation of the associated stress wave factor with mechanical properties of both metals and composite materials. The method is applied to the nondestructive evaluation of selected fiber reinforced structural composites. For the first time, conventional piezoelectric transducers were replaced with laser beam ultrasonic generators and detectors. This modification permitted true non-contact acousto-ultrasonic measurements to be made, which yielded new information about the basic mechanisms involved as well as proved the feasibility of making such non-contact measurements on terrestrial and space structures and heat engine components. A state-of-the-art laser based acousto-ultrasonic system, incorporating a compact pulsed laser and a fiber-optic heterodyne interferometer, was delivered to the NASA Lewis Research Center.

Continuous micro-feeding of fine cohesive powders actuated by pulse inertia force and acoustic radiation force in ultrasonic standing wave field.

PubMed

Wang, Hongcheng; Wu, Liqun; Zhang, Ting; Chen, Rangrang; Zhang, Linan

2018-07-10

Stable continuous micro-feeding of fine cohesive powders has recently gained importance in many fields. However, it remains a great challenge in practice because of the powder aggregate caused by interparticle cohesive forces in small capillaries. This paper describes a novel method of feeding fine cohesive powder actuated by a pulse inertia force and acoustic radiation force simultaneously in an ultrasonic standing wave field using a tapered glass nozzle. Nozzles with different outlet diameters are fabricated using glass via a heating process. A pulse inertia force is excited to drive powder movement to the outlet section of the nozzle in a consolidated columnar rod mode. An acoustic radiation force is generated to suspend the particles and make the rod break into large quantities of small agglomerates which impact each other randomly. So the aggregation phenomenon in the fluidization of cohesive powders can be eliminated. The suspended powder is discharged continuously from the nozzle orifice owing to the self-gravities and collisions between the inner particles. The micro-feeding rates can be controlled accurately and the minimum values for RespitoseSV003 and Granulac230 are 0.4 mg/s and 0.5 mg/s respectively. The relative standard deviations of all data points are below 0.12, which is considerably smaller than those of existing vibration feeders with small capillaries. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Distributed temperature sensing using a SPIRAL configuration ultrasonic waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Periyannan, Suresh; Balasubramaniam, Krishnan

2017-02-01

Distributed temperature sensing has important applications in the long term monitoring of critical enclosures such as containment vessels, flue gas stacks, furnaces, underground storage tanks and buildings for fire risk. This paper presents novel techniques for such measurements, using wire in a spiral configuration and having special embodiments such a notch for obtaining wave reflections from desired locations. Transduction is performed using commercially available Piezo-electric crystal that is bonded to one end of the waveguide. Lower order axisymmetric guided ultrasonic modes were employed. Time of fight (TOF) differences between predefined reflectors located on the waveguides are used to infer temperature profile in a chamber with different temperatures. The L(0,1) wave mode (pulse echo approach) was generated/received in a spiral waveguide at different temperatures for this work. The ultrasonic measurements were compared with commercially available thermocouples.

A Device for Human Ultrasonic Echolocation.

PubMed

Sohl-Dickstein, Jascha; Teng, Santani; Gaub, Benjamin M; Rodgers, Chris C; Li, Crystal; DeWeese, Michael R; Harper, Nicol S

2015-06-01

We present a device that combines principles of ultrasonic echolocation and spatial hearing to provide human users with environmental cues that are 1) not otherwise available to the human auditory system, and 2) richer in object and spatial information than the more heavily processed sonar cues of other assistive devices. The device consists of a wearable headset with an ultrasonic emitter and stereo microphones with affixed artificial pinnae. The goal of this study is to describe the device and evaluate the utility of the echoic information it provides. The echoes of ultrasonic pulses were recorded and time stretched to lower their frequencies into the human auditory range, then played back to the user. We tested performance among naive and experienced sighted volunteers using a set of localization experiments, in which the locations of echo-reflective surfaces were judged using these time-stretched echoes. Naive subjects were able to make laterality and distance judgments, suggesting that the echoes provide innately useful information without prior training. Naive subjects were generally unable to make elevation judgments from recorded echoes. However, trained subjects demonstrated an ability to judge elevation as well. This suggests that the device can be used effectively to examine the environment and that the human auditory system can rapidly adapt to these artificial echolocation cues. Interpreting and interacting with the external world constitutes a major challenge for persons who are blind or visually impaired. This device has the potential to aid blind people in interacting with their environment.

Experimental investigation by laser ultrasonics for high speed train axle diagnostics.

PubMed

Cavuto, A; Martarelli, M; Pandarese, G; Revel, G M; Tomasini, E P

2015-01-01

The present paper demonstrates the applicability of a laser-ultrasonic procedure to improve the performances of train axle ultrasonic inspection. The method exploits an air-coupled ultrasonic probe that detects the ultrasonic waves generated by a high-power pulsed laser. As a result, the measurement chain is completely non-contact, from generation to detection, this making it possible to considerably speed up inspection time and make the set-up more flexible. The main advantage of the technique developed is that it works in thermo-elastic regime and it therefore can be considered as a non-destructive method. The laser-ultrasonic procedure investigated has been applied for the inspection of a real high speed train axle provided by the Italian railway company (Trenitalia), on which typical fatigue defects have been expressly created according to standard specifications. A dedicated test bench has been developed so as to rotate the axle with the angle control and to speed up the inspection of the axle surface. The laser-ultrasonic procedure proposed can be automated and is potentially suitable for regular inspection of train axles. The main achievements of the activity described in this paper are: – the study of the effective applicability of laser-ultrasonics for the diagnostic of train hollow axles with variable sections by means of a numerical FE model, – the carrying out of an automated experiment on a real train axle, – the analysis of the sensitivity to experimental parameters, like laser source – receiving probe distance and receiving probe angular position, – the demonstration that the technique is suitable for the detection of surface defects purposely created on the train axle. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modelling NDE pulse-echo inspection of misorientated planar rough defects using an elastic finite element method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pettit, J. R.; Walker, A. E.; Lowe, M. J. S.

2015-03-01

Pulse-echo ultrasonic NDE examination of large pressure vessel forgings is a design and construction code requirement in the power generation industry. Such inspections aim to size and characterise potential defects that may have formed during the forging process. Typically these defects have a range of orientations and surface roughnesses which can greatly affect ultrasonic wave scattering behaviour. Ultrasonic modelling techniques can provide insight into defect response and therefore aid in characterisation. However, analytical approaches to solving these scattering problems can become inaccurate, especially when applied to increasingly complex defect geometries. To overcome these limitations a elastic Finite Element (FE) method has been developed to simulate pulse-echo inspections of embedded planar defects. The FE model comprises a significantly reduced spatial domain allowing for a Monte-Carlo based approach to consider multiple realisations of defect orientation and surface roughness. The results confirm that defects aligned perpendicular to the path of beam propagation attenuate ultrasonic signals according to the level of surface roughness. However, for defects orientated away from this plane, surface roughness can increase the magnitude of the scattered component propagating back along the path of the incident beam. This study therefore highlights instances where defect roughness increases the magnitude of ultrasonic scattered signals, as opposed to attenuation which is more often assumed.

Noncontact acousto-ultrasonics using laser generation and laser interferometric detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, Robert E., Jr.; Huber, Robert D.

1991-01-01

A compact, portable fiber-optic heterodyne interferometer designed to detect out-of-plane motion on surfaces is described. The interferometer provides a linear output for displacements over a broad frequency range and can be used for ultrasonic, acoustic emission, and acousto-ultrasonic (AU) testing. The interferometer in conjunction with a compact pulsed Nd:YAG laser represents a noncontact testing system. This system was tested to determine its usefulness for the AU technique. The results obtained show that replacement of conventional piezoelectric transducers (PZT) with a laser generation/detection system make it possible to carry out noncontact AU measurements. The waveforms recorded were 5 MHZ PZT-generated ultrasound propagating through an aluminum block, detection of the acoustic emission event, and laser AU waveforms from graphite-epoxy laminates and a filament-wound composite.

In-Line Ultrasonic Monitoring for Sediments Stuck on Inner Wall of a Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

This research verified the applicability and effectiveness of the ultrasonic monitoring of sediments stuck on the inner wall of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. For identifying the transmittance of acoustic energy and the speed of sound in the PVC material, the pulse-echo ultrasonic testing was conducted for PVC sheets of different thicknesses. To simulate the solidified sediment, the hot melt adhesive (HMA) was covered on the inner wall of the PVC pipe in different heights. From the experiment, the speeds of sound in the PVC and the HMA materials were obtained as about 2258 and 2000 m/s, respectively. The thickness of the materials was calculated through the signal processing such as taking the absolute value and low pass filtering, the echo detection, and the measurement of the time of flight. The errors between actual and measured thicknesses of PVC sheets were below 5%. In the case of the substance stuck on the inner wall, the errors were below 2.5%. Since the pulse-echo ultrasonic inspection is available on the outer surface and its measurement accuracy was over 95%, it can be an efficient and effective in-service structural health monitoring for the sediment on the wall of PVC pipes. PMID:25243223

Nonlinear resonance scattering of femtosecond X-ray pulses on atoms in plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosmej, F. B.; Astapenko, V. A.; Lisitsa, V. S.; Moroz, N. N.

2017-11-01

It is shown that for sufficiently short pulses the resonance scattering probability becomes a nonlinear function of the pulse duration. For fs X-ray pulses scattered on atoms in plasmas maxima and minima develop in the nonlinear regime whereas in the limit of long pulses the probability becomes linear and turns over into the standard description of the electromagnetic pulse scattering. Numerical calculations are carried out in terms of a generalized scattering probability for the total time of pulse duration including fine structure splitting and ion Doppler broadening in hot plasmas. For projected X-ray monocycles, the generalized nonlinear approach differs by 1-2 orders of magnitude from the standard theory.

Luminosity Dependence and Search Doppler

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanParadijs, Johannes A.

1998-01-01

The research supported by this grant covered two projects: (1) a study of the luminosity dependence of the properties of atoll sources; and (2) a search for Doppler shifts in the pulse arrival times of the anomalous pulsar 4U 0142+61. Following the discovery of kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOS) in Sco X-1 studies of the X-ray properties of atoll sources have been dominated by searches for these QPOS, and the study of their dependence on other source properties, such as X-ray luminosity and spectral state. In the project supported by grant NAG5-3269 we have detected kHz QPOs for several atoll sources. The physical interpretation of these QPO is as yet unclear, but simple models (such as the Keplerian beat frequency model) can probably be excluded. The results of this research have been reported. We have studied the X-ray pulsations of the anomalous X-ray pulsar 4U 0142+61 using the Rossi XTE. A detailed search for Doppler shifts did not lead to a positive detection. The upper limits exclude almost all types of possible companion stars, except white dwarfs. However, the latter can be excluded since anomalous X-ray pulsars are very young objects. We therefore conclude that anomalous X-ray pulsars are single neutron stars.

Comparison Between Doppler-Echocardiography and Uncalibrated Pulse Contour Method for Cardiac Output Measurement: A Multicenter Observational Study.

PubMed

Scolletta, Sabino; Franchi, Federico; Romagnoli, Stefano; Carlà, Rossella; Donati, Abele; Fabbri, Lea P; Forfori, Francesco; Alonso-Iñigo, José M; Laviola, Silvia; Mangani, Valerio; Maj, Giulia; Martinelli, Giampaolo; Mirabella, Lucia; Morelli, Andrea; Persona, Paolo; Payen, Didier

2016-07-01

Echocardiography and pulse contour methods allow, respectively, noninvasive and less invasive cardiac output estimation. The aim of the present study was to compare Doppler echocardiography with the pulse contour method MostCare for cardiac output estimation in a large and nonselected critically ill population. A prospective multicenter observational comparison study. The study was conducted in 15 European medicosurgical ICUs. We assessed cardiac output in 400 patients in whom an echocardiographic evaluation was performed as a routine need or for cardiocirculatory assessment. None. One echocardiographic cardiac output measurement was compared with the corresponding MostCare cardiac output value per patient, considering different ICU admission categories and clinical conditions. For statistical analysis, we used Bland-Altman and linear regression analyses. To assess heterogeneity in results of individual centers, Cochran Q, and the I statistics were applied. A total of 400 paired echocardiographic cardiac output and MostCare cardiac output measures were compared. MostCare cardiac output values ranged from 1.95 to 9.90 L/min, and echocardiographic cardiac output ranged from 1.82 to 9.75 L/min. A significant correlation was found between echocardiographic cardiac output and MostCare cardiac output (r = 0.85; p < 0.0001). Among the different ICUs, the mean bias between echocardiographic cardiac output and MostCare cardiac output ranged from -0.40 to 0.45 L/min, and the percentage error ranged from 13.2% to 47.2%. Overall, the mean bias was -0.03 L/min, with 95% limits of agreement of -1.54 to 1.47 L/min and a relative percentage error of 30.1%. The percentage error was 24% in the sepsis category, 26% in the trauma category, 30% in the surgical category, and 33% in the medical admission category. The final overall percentage error was 27.3% with a 95% CI of 22.2-32.4%. Our results suggest that MostCare could be an alternative to echocardiography to assess

Ultrahigh Frequency (100 MHz–300 MHz) Ultrasonic Transducers for Optical Resolution Medical Imagining

PubMed Central

Fei, Chunlong; Chiu, Chi Tat; Chen, Xiaoyang; Chen, Zeyu; Ma, Jianguo; Zhu, Benpeng; Shung, K. Kirk; Zhou, Qifa

2016-01-01

High resolution ultrasonic imaging requires high frequency wide band ultrasonic transducers, which produce short pulses and highly focused beam. However, currently the frequency of ultrasonic transducers is limited to below 100 MHz, mainly because of the challenge in precise control of fabrication parameters. This paper reports the design, fabrication, and characterization of sensitive broadband lithium niobate (LiNbO3) single element ultrasonic transducers in the range of 100–300 MHz, as well as their applications in high resolution imaging. All transducers were built for an f-number close to 1.0, which was achieved by press-focusing the piezoelectric layer into a spherical curvature. Characterization results demonstrated their high sensitivity and a −6 dB bandwidth greater than 40%. Resolutions better than 6.4 μm in the lateral direction and 6.2 μm in the axial direction were achieved by scanning a 4 μm tungsten wire target. Ultrasonic biomicroscopy images of zebrafish eyes were obtained with these transducers which demonstrate the feasibility of high resolution imaging with a performance comparable to optical resolution. PMID:27329379

Investigation of mixed ionospheric and fround scatter using high spectral content pulse sequences for SuperDARN radars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spaleta, J.; Bristow, W. A.

2013-12-01

SuperDARN radars estimate plasma drift velocities from the Doppler shift observed on signals scattered from field-aligned density irregularities. These field-aligned density irregularities are embedded in the ionospheric plasma, and move at the same velocity as background plasma. As a result, the electromagnetic signals scattered from these irregularities are Doppler shifted. The SuperDARN radars routinely observe ionospheric scatter Doppler velocities ranging from zero to thousands of meters per second. The radars determine the Doppler shift of the ionospheric scatter by linear fitting the phase of an auto correlation function derived from the radar pulse sequence. The phase fitting technique employed assumes a single dominant velocity is present in the signal. In addition, the SuperDARN radars can also observe signals scattered from the ground. Once refracted by the ionospheric plasma and bent earthward, the radar pulses eventually reach the ground where they scatter, sending signal back to the radar. This ground-scatter signal is characterized as having a low Doppler shift and low spectral width. The SuperDARN radars are able to use these signal characteristics to discriminate the ground scatter signal from the ionospheric scatter, when regions of ground scatter are isolated from ionospheric scatter returns. The phase fitting assumption of a single dominate target can easily be violated at ranges where ground and ionospheric scatter mix together. Due to the wide elevation angle extent of the SuperDARN radar design, ground and ionospheric scatter from different propagation paths can mix together in the return signal. When this happens, the fitting algorithm attempts to fit to the dominant signal, and if ground scatter dominates, information about the ionospheric scatter at that range can be unresolved. One way to address the mix scatter situation is to use a high spectral content pulse sequence together with a spectral estimation technique. The high spectral

Scanning electron microscopy investigation of PMMA removal by laser irradiation (Er:YAG) in comparison with an ultrasonic system and curettage in hip joint revision arthroplasty.

PubMed

Birnbaum, Klaus; Gutknecht, Norbert

2010-07-01

The cement often left in the femur socket during hip joint revision arthroplasty is usually removed by curettage. Another method for removing the cement is to use an ultrasonic system, and yet another alternative may be to use a laser system. The aim of these investigations was to determine the pulse rate and pulse energy of the Er:YAG laser for sufficient cement ablation. We also compared the results obtained using the laser with those obtained using an ultrasonic device or curettage by histological and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation of the border zone between the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and unfixed specimens of femoral bone. Therefore we prepared 30 unfixed human femur stems after hip joint replacement and prepared ten sagittal sections from each femur stem (in total 300 sections). Of these 300 specimens, 180 were treated with the Er:YAG laser, 60 with the ultrasonic system and 60 by curettage. The high pulse energy of 500 mJ and a pulse rate of 4 Hz provided the highest PMMA ablation rate, although the boundary surface between PMMA and femoral bone was not as fine-grained as found in samples treated at 15 Hz and 250 mJ. However, the treatment time for the same cement ablation rate with the latter settings was twice that at 4 Hz and 500 mJ. Compared to the boundary surfaces treated with the ultrasonic device or curettage, the laser-treated samples had a more distinct undifferentiated boundary surface between PMMA and femoral bone. After development of the Er:YAG-laser to provide higher pulse energies, it may in the future be an additional efficient method for the removal of PMMA in revision arthroplasty. The Er:YAG laser should be combined with an endoscopic and a rinsing suction system so that PMMA can be removed from the femoral shaft under direct vision.

Controlled removal of ceramic surfaces with combination of ions implantation and ultrasonic energy

DOEpatents

Boatner, Lynn A.; Rankin, Janet; Thevenard, Paul; Romana, Laurence J.

1995-01-01

A method for tailoring or patterning the surface of ceramic articles is provided by implanting ions to predetermined depth into the ceramic material at a selected surface location with the ions being implanted at a fluence and energy adequate to damage the lattice structure of the ceramic material for bi-axially straining near-surface regions of the ceramic material to the predetermined depth. The resulting metastable near-surface regions of the ceramic material are then contacted with energy pulses from collapsing, ultrasonically-generated cavitation bubbles in a liquid medium for removing to a selected depth the ion-damaged near-surface regions containing the bi-axially strained lattice structure from the ceramic body. Additional patterning of the selected surface location on the ceramic body is provided by implanting a high fluence of high-energy, relatively-light ions at selected surface sites for relaxing the bi-axial strain in the near-surface regions defined by these sites and thereby preventing the removal of such ion-implanted sites by the energy pulses from the collapsing ultrasonic cavitation bubbles.

The Diagnostic Value of Pulsed Wave Tissue Doppler Imaging in Asymptomatic Beta- Thalassemia Major Children and Young Adults; Relation to Chemical Biomarkers of Left Ventricular Function and Iron Overload.

PubMed

Ragab, Seham M; Fathy, Waleed M; El-Aziz, Walaa FAbd; Helal, Rasha T

2015-01-01

Cardiac iron toxicity is the leading cause of death among β-halassaemia major (TM) patients. Once heart failure becomes overt, it is difficult to reverse. To investigate non-overt cardiac dysfunctions in TM patients using pulsed wave Tissue Doppler Imaging (TD I) and its relation to iron overload and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Thorough clinical, conventional echo and pulsed wave TDI parameters were compared between asymptomatic 25 β-TM patients and 20 age and gender matched individuals. Serum ferritin and plasma BNP levels were assayed by ELISA. TM patients had significant higher mitral inflow early diastolic (E) wave and non significant other conventional echo parameters. In the patient group, pulsed wave TDI revealed systolic dysfunctions, in the form of significant higher isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), and lower ejection time (E T), with diastolic dysfunction in the form of higher isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), and lower mitral annulus early diastolic velocity E' (12.07 ±2.06 vs 15.04±2.65, P= 0.003) compared to the controls. Plasma BNP was higher in patients compared to the controls. Plasma BNP and serum ferritin had a significant correlation with each other and with pulsed wave conventional and TDI indices of systolic and diastolic functions. Patients with E/E' ≥ 8 had significant higher serum ferritin and plasma BNP levels compared to those with ratio < 8 without a difference in Hb levels. Pulsed wave TDI is an important diagnostic tool for latent cardiac dysfunction in iron-loaded TM patients and is related to iron overload and BNP.

The Diagnostic Value of Pulsed Wave Tissue Doppler Imaging in Asymptomatic Beta- Thalassemia Major Children and Young Adults; Relation to Chemical Biomarkers of Left Ventricular Function and Iron Overload

PubMed Central

Ragab, Seham M; Fathy, Waleed M; El-Aziz, Walaa FAbd; Helal, Rasha T

2015-01-01

Background Cardiac iron toxicity is the leading cause of death among β-halassaemia major (TM) patients. Once heart failure becomes overt, it is difficult to reverse. Objectives To investigate non-overt cardiac dysfunctions in TM patients using pulsed wave Tissue Doppler Imaging (TD I) and its relation to iron overload and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Methods Thorough clinical, conventional echo and pulsed wave TDI parameters were compared between asymptomatic 25 β-TM patients and 20 age and gender matched individuals. Serum ferritin and plasma BNP levels were assayed by ELISA. Results TM patients had significant higher mitral inflow early diastolic (E) wave and non significant other conventional echo parameters. In the patient group, pulsed wave TDI revealed systolic dysfunctions, in the form of significant higher isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), and lower ejection time (E T), with diastolic dysfunction in the form of higher isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), and lower mitral annulus early diastolic velocity E′ (12.07 ±2.06 vs 15.04±2.65, P= 0.003) compared to the controls. Plasma BNP was higher in patients compared to the controls. Plasma BNP and serum ferritin had a significant correlation with each other and with pulsed wave conventional and TDI indices of systolic and diastolic functions. Patients with E/E′ ≥ 8 had significant higher serum ferritin and plasma BNP levels compared to those with ratio < 8 without a difference in Hb levels. Conclusion Pulsed wave TDI is an important diagnostic tool for latent cardiac dysfunction in iron-loaded TM patients and is related to iron overload and BNP. PMID:26401240

Doppler-shifted self-reflected wave from a semiconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuelzgen, Alex; Hughes, S.; Peyghambarian, Nasser

1997-06-01

We report the first experimental observation of a self- reflected wave inside a very dense saturable absorber. An intense femtosecond pulse saturates the absorption and causes a density front moving into the semiconductor sample. Due to the motion of the boundary between saturated and unsaturated areas of the sample the light reflected at this boundary is red-shifted by the Doppler effect. The spectrally shifted reflection makes it possible to distinguish between surface reflection and self-reflection and is used to proof the concept of the dynamic nonlinear skin effect experimentally. Quite well agreement with model calculations is found.

Pulmonary artery location during microgravity activity: Potential impact for chest-mounted Doppler during space travel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hadley, A. T., III; Conkin, J.; Waligora, J. M.; Horrigan, D. J., Jr.

1984-01-01

Doppler, or ultrasonic, monitoring for pain manifestations of decompression sickness (the bends) is accomplished by placing a sensor on the chest over the pulmonary artery and listening for bubbles. Difficulties have arisen because the technician notes that the pulmonary artery seems to move with subject movement in a one-g field and because the sensor output is influenced by only slight degrees of sensor movement. This study used two subjects and mapped the position of the pulmonary artery in one-g, microgravity, and two-g environments using ultrasound. The results showed that the pulmonary artery is fixed in location in microgravity and not affected by subject position change. The optimal position corresponded to where the Doppler signal is best heard with the subject in a supine position in a one-g environment. The impact of this result is that a proposed multiple sensor array on the chest proposed for microgravity use may not be necessary to monitor an astronaut during extravehicular activities. Instead, a single sensor of approximately 1 inch diameter and mounted in the position described above may suffice.

Two-state and two-state plus continuum problems associated with the interaction of intense laser pulses with atoms

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choi, C. W.; Payne, M. G.

1977-02-01

Two mathematical methods are utilized (one a form of adiabatic approximation, and the other closely related to the Zener method from collision theory) in order to calculate the probability of three-photon ionization when strong counter propagating pulses are tuned very near a two-photon resonant state. In this case the inverted populations predicted by Grischkowsky and Loy for smooth laser pulses lead to larger ionization probabilities than would be obtained for a square pulse of equal peak power and energy per pulse. The line shape of the ionization probability is also quite unusual in this problem. A sharp onset in themore » ionization probability occurs as the lasers are tuned through the exact unperturbed two-photon resonance. Under proper conditions, the change can be from a very small value to one near unity. It occurs in a very small frequency range determined by the larger of the residual Doppler effect and the reciprocal duration of the pulse. Thus, the line shape retains a Doppler-free aspect even at power levels such that power broadening would dwarf even the full Doppler effect in the case of a square pulse of equal energy and peak power. The same mathematical methods have been used to calculate line shapes for the two-photon excitation of fluorescence when the atoms see a pulsed field due to their time of passage across a tightly focused cw laser beam. Thus,the mathematical methods used above permitted accurate analytical calculations under a set of very interesting conditions.« less

Expected Characteristics of Global Wind Profile Measurements with a Scanning, Hybrid, Doppler Lidar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kavaya, Michael J.

2008-01-01

Over 20 years of investigation by NASA and NOAA scientists and Doppler lidar technologists into a global wind profiling mission from earth orbit have led to the current favored concept of an instrument with both coherent- and direct-detection pulsed Doppler lidars (i.e., a hybrid Doppler lidar) and a stepstare beam scanning approach covering several azimuth angles with a fixed nadir angle. The nominal lidar wavelengths are 2 microns for coherent detection, and 0.355 microns for direct detection. The two agencies have also generated two sets of sophisticated wind measurement requirements for a space mission: science demonstration requirements and operational requirements. The requirements contain the necessary details to permit mission design and optimization by lidar technologists. Simulations have been developed that connect the science requirements to the wind measurement requirements, and that connect the wind measurement requirements to the Doppler lidar parameters. The simulations also permit trade studies within the multi-parameter space. These tools, combined with knowledge of the state of the Doppler lidar technology, have been used to conduct space instrument and mission design activities to validate the feasibility of the chosen mission and lidar parameters. Recently, the NRC Earth Science Decadal Survey recommended the wind mission to NASA as one of 15 recommended missions. A full description of the wind measurement product from these notional missions and the possible trades available are presented in this paper.

Color Doppler ultrasound evaluation of testicular blood flow in stallions.

PubMed

Pozor, M A; McDonnell, S M

2004-04-01

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the potential use of color Doppler ultrasound to characterize blood flow to the stallion testis, and to establish reference values for Doppler measures of blood flow in the testicular artery of the stallion. Both testes from each of 52 horses were examined using a pulsed-wave color Doppler ultrasound with a sector array 5/7.5 MHz transducer with a 1mm gate setting. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) of the testicular artery were measured in each of two locations, the convoluted aspect (spermatic cord) and the marginal aspect of the artery (on the epididymal edge of testis). We found that: (1) all measures were obtainable; (2) except for EDV, the majority of the measures were higher at the cord location than at the marginal aspect of the artery (P < 0.05); and (3) measures for left and right testes were similar (P > 0.10). Resulting measures from 41 of these stallions (82 testes) that appeared free of testicular pathology provide useful reference values for clinical evaluation. Evaluation of 11 cases with testicular pathology suggested further investigation of possible effects of these various conditions on testicular blood flow and testicular function.

Comparison of 2- and 10-micron coherent Doppler lidar performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frehlich, Rod

1995-01-01

The performance of 2- and 10-micron coherent Doppler lidar is presented in terms of the statistical distribution of the maximum-likelihood velocity estimator from simulations for fixed range resolution and fixed velocity search space as a function of the number of coherent photoelectrons per estimate. The wavelength dependence of the aerosol backscatter coefficient, the detector quantum efficiency, and the atmospheric extinction produce a simple shift of the performance curves. Results are presented for a typical boundary layer measurement and a space-based measurement for two regimes: the pulse-dominated regime where the signal statistics are determined by the transmitted pulse, and the atmospheric-dominated regime where the signal statistics are determined by the velocity fluctuations over the range gate. The optimal choice of wavelength depends on the problem under consideration.

[The Value of High Frequency Color Doppler Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Solid Skin Tumorsa-a Preliminary Study].

PubMed

Zhong, Lin; Tang, Yuan-Jiao; Yang, Yu-Jia; Qiu, Li

2017-01-01

To explore the value of high frequency color doppler ultrasonography in differentiating benign and malignant skin solid tumors. Clinical and ultrasonic data of cutaneous solid tumors confirmed by pathology in our hospital were collected. The differences in clinical and sonographic features between benign and malignant tumors were statistically analyzed. A total of 512 patients, involving 527 cases of skin solid tumors, were enrolled in this study. The ultrasonic detected 99.43% of the cases, with 99.02% accuracy in locating the lesions. The benign and malignant tumors showed differences in patient age, location, multiple occurance, location and depth, surface skin condition, tumor size, echo, morphology, uniformity, calcification, blood flow status, tumor rear area and peripheral echo, and pathological requests ( P <0.05). High frequency ultrasound has excellent detection rate of skin tumors, which can locate invasion depth of skin accurately. Benign and malignant skin tumors show differences in a number of clinical and ultrasound features.

Monitoring of freeze-thaw cycles in concrete using embedded sensors and ultrasonic imaging.

PubMed

Ranz, Javier; Aparicio, Sofía; Romero, Héctor; Casati, María Jesús; Molero, Miguel; González, Margarita

2014-01-29

This paper deals with the study of damage produced during freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles using two non-destructive measurement approaches-the first approach devoted to continuous monitoring using embedded sensors during the cycles, and the second one, performing ultrasonic imaging before and after the cycles. Both methodologies have been tested in two different types of concrete specimens, with and without air-entraining agents. Using the first measurement approach, the size and distribution of pores were estimated using a thermoporometrical model and continuous measurements of temperature and ultrasonic velocity along cycles. These estimates have been compared with the results obtained using mercury porosimetry testing. In the second approach, the damage due to F-T cycles has been evaluated by automated ultrasonic transmission and pulse-echo inspections made before and after the cycles. With these inspections the variations in the dimensions, velocity and attenuation caused by the accelerated F-T cycles were determined.

Monitoring of Freeze-Thaw Cycles in Concrete Using Embedded Sensors and Ultrasonic Imaging

PubMed Central

Ranz, Javier; Aparicio, Sofía; Romero, Héctor; Casati, María Jesús; Molero, Miguel; González, Margarita

2014-01-01

This paper deals with the study of damage produced during freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles using two non-destructive measurement approaches—the first approach devoted to continuous monitoring using embedded sensors during the cycles, and the second one, performing ultrasonic imaging before and after the cycles. Both methodologies have been tested in two different types of concrete specimens, with and without air-entraining agents. Using the first measurement approach, the size and distribution of pores were estimated using a thermoporometrical model and continuous measurements of temperature and ultrasonic velocity along cycles. These estimates have been compared with the results obtained using mercury porosimetry testing. In the second approach, the damage due to F-T cycles has been evaluated by automated ultrasonic transmission and pulse-echo inspections made before and after the cycles. With these inspections the variations in the dimensions, velocity and attenuation caused by the accelerated F-T cycles were determined. PMID:24481231

Distributed temperature sensors development using an stepped-helical ultrasonic waveguide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Periyannan, Suresh; Rajagopal, Prabhu; Balasubramaniam, Krishnan

2018-04-01

This paper presents the design and development of the distributed ultrasonic waveguide temperature sensors using some stepped-helical structures. Distributed sensing has several applications in various industries (oil, glass, steel) for measurement of physical parameters such as level, temperature, viscosity, etc. This waveguide incorporates a special notch or bend for obtaining ultrasonic wave reflections from the desired locations (Gage-lengths) where local measurements are desired. In this paper, a multi-location measurement wave-guide, with a measurement capability of 18 locations in a single wire, has been fabricated. The distribution of these sensors is both in the axial as well as radial directions using a stepped-helical spring configuration. Also, different high temperature materials have been chosen for the wave-guide. Both lower order axi-symmetric guided ultrasonic modes (L(0,1) and T(0,1)) were employed. These wave modes were generated/received (pulse-echo approach) using conventional longitudinal and shear transducers, respectively. Also, both the wave modes were simultaneously generated/received and compared using shear transducer for developing the distributed helical wave-guide sensors. The effect of dispersion of the wave modes due to curvature effects will also be discussed.

Doublet Pulse Coherent Laser Radar for Tracking of Resident Space Objects

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

based laser systems can be limited by the effects of tumbling, extremely accurate Doppler measurement is possible using a doublet coherent laser ...Doublet pulse coherent laser radar for tracking of resident space objects Narasimha S. Prasad *1 , Van Rudd 2 , Scott Shald 2 , Stephan...Doublet Pulse Coherent Laser Radar for Tracking of Resident Space Objects 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S

Development and Implementation of an Ultrasonic Method to Characterize Acoustic and Mechanical Fingernail Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vacarescu, Rares Anthony

The human fingernail is a vital organ used by humans on a daily basis and can provide an immense supply of information based on the biological feedback of the body. By studying the quantitative mechanical and acoustic properties of fingernails, a better understanding of the scarcely-investigated field of ungual research can be explored. Investigating fingernail properties with the use of pulse-echo ultrasound is the aim of this thesis. This thesis involves the application of a developed portable ultrasonic device in a hospital-based data collection and the advancement of ultrasonic methodology to include the calculation of acoustic impedance, density and elasticity. The results of the thesis show that the reflectance method can be utilized to determine fingernail properties with a maximum 17% deviation from literature. Repeatability of measurements fell within a 95% confidence interval. Thus, the ultrasonic reflectance method was validated and may have potential clinical and cosmetic applications.

A device for human ultrasonic echolocation

PubMed Central

Gaub, Benjamin M.; Rodgers, Chris C.; Li, Crystal; DeWeese, Michael R.; Harper, Nicol S.

2015-01-01

Objective We present a device that combines principles of ultrasonic echolocation and spatial hearing to provide human users with environmental cues that are 1) not otherwise available to the human auditory system and 2) richer in object, and spatial information than the more heavily processed sonar cues of other assistive devices. The device consists of a wearable headset with an ultrasonic emitter and stereo microphones with affixed artificial pinnae. The goal of this study is to describe the device and evaluate the utility of the echoic information it provides. Methods The echoes of ultrasonic pulses were recorded and time-stretched to lower their frequencies into the human auditory range, then played back to the user. We tested performance among naive and experienced sighted volunteers using a set of localization experiments in which the locations of echo-reflective surfaces were judged using these time stretched echoes. Results Naive subjects were able to make laterality and distance judgments, suggesting that the echoes provide innately useful information without prior training. Naive subjects were generally unable to make elevation judgments from recorded echoes. However trained subjects demonstrated an ability to judge elevation as well. Conclusion This suggests that the device can be used effectively to examine the environment and that the human auditory system can rapidly adapt to these artificial echolocation cues. Significance Interpreting and interacting with the external world constitutes a major challenge for persons who are blind or visually impaired. This device has the potential to aid blind people in interacting with their environment. PMID:25608301

Ultrasonic Motors

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-06-01

micromotor have been investigated. The piezoelectric motor makes use of two orthogonal bending modes of a hollow cylinder. The vibrating element...A.Iino, K.Suzuki, M.Kasuga, M.Suzuki and T.Yamanaka, "Development of a Self- Oscillating Ultrasonic Micromotor and Its Application to a Watch...pp. 823-828, 1997. [12] M. K. Kurosawa, T. Morita, and T. Higuchi, "A Cylindrical Ultrasonic Micromotor Based on PZT Thin Film," IEEE Ultrasonics

Prototype instrument for noninvasive ultrasonic inspection and identification of fluids in sealed containers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tucker, Brian J.; Diaz, Aaron A.; Eckenrode, Brian A.

2006-05-01

Government agencies and homeland security related organizations have identified the need to develop and establish a wide range of unprecedented capabilities for providing scientific and technical forensic services to investigations involving hazardous chemical, biological, and radiological materials, including extremely dangerous chemical and biological warfare agents. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed a prototype portable, handheld, hazardous materials acoustic inspection prototype that provides noninvasive container interrogation and material identification capabilities using nondestructive ultrasonic velocity and attenuation measurements. Due to the wide variety of fluids as well as container sizes and materials encountered in various law enforcement inspection activities, the need for high measurement sensitivity and advanced ultrasonic measurement techniques were identified. The prototype was developed using a versatile electronics platform, advanced ultrasonic wave propagation methods, and advanced signal processing techniques. This paper primarily focuses on the ultrasonic measurement methods and signal processing techniques incorporated into the prototype. High bandwidth ultrasonic transducers combined with an advanced pulse compression technique allowed researchers to 1) obtain high signal-to-noise ratios and 2) obtain accurate and consistent time-of-flight (TOF) measurements through a variety of highly attenuative containers and fluid media. Results of work conducted in the laboratory have demonstrated that the prototype experimental measurement technique also provided information regarding container properties, which will be utilized in future container-independent measurements of hidden liquids.

Scanning of the internal structure part with laser ultrasonic in aviation industry.

PubMed

Swornowski, Pawel J

2011-01-01

The detection of internal defects is a major production and safety issue for the newest generations of aircraft. New materials and manufacturing processes in the aircraft industry demand efficient quality assurance in manufacturing and inspection in maintenance. Advanced metallic material processes (titanium) are used or developed for the production of heavily loaded flying components (in fan blade construction). The inspection of these parts mainly made out of titanium (or CFRP) requires the determination of the percentage of bonded grain sizes around 10-30 µm. This is primarily due to the advantages of a high signal-to-noise ratio and good detection sensitivity. In this article, a diagnosing method of the blade interior by means of the laser ultrasonic is presented. Identification of small fatigue cracks presents a challenging problem during nondestructive testing of fatigue-damaged structures. Laser ultrasonic is a technique that uses two laser beams; one with a short pulse for the generation of ultrasound and another with a long pulse or continuous coupled to an optical interferometer for detection. The results of research of the internal blade structure are presented. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Modelling NDE pulse-echo inspection of misorientated planar rough defects using an elastic finite element method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pettit, J. R.; Lowe, M. J. S.; Walker, A. E.

2015-03-31

Pulse-echo ultrasonic NDE examination of large pressure vessel forgings is a design and construction code requirement in the power generation industry. Such inspections aim to size and characterise potential defects that may have formed during the forging process. Typically these defects have a range of orientations and surface roughnesses which can greatly affect ultrasonic wave scattering behaviour. Ultrasonic modelling techniques can provide insight into defect response and therefore aid in characterisation. However, analytical approaches to solving these scattering problems can become inaccurate, especially when applied to increasingly complex defect geometries. To overcome these limitations a elastic Finite Element (FE) methodmore » has been developed to simulate pulse-echo inspections of embedded planar defects. The FE model comprises a significantly reduced spatial domain allowing for a Monte-Carlo based approach to consider multiple realisations of defect orientation and surface roughness. The results confirm that defects aligned perpendicular to the path of beam propagation attenuate ultrasonic signals according to the level of surface roughness. However, for defects orientated away from this plane, surface roughness can increase the magnitude of the scattered component propagating back along the path of the incident beam. This study therefore highlights instances where defect roughness increases the magnitude of ultrasonic scattered signals, as opposed to attenuation which is more often assumed.« less

Blood flow velocity in monocular retinoblastoma assessed by color doppler

PubMed Central

Bonanomi, Maria Teresa B C; Saito, Osmar C; de Lima, Patricia Picciarelli; Bonanomi, Roberta Chizzotti; Chammas, Maria Cristina

2015-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the flow of retrobulbar vessels in retinoblastoma by color Doppler imaging. METHODS: A prospective study of monocular retinoblastoma treated by enucleation between 2010 and 2014. The examination comprised fundoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography and color Doppler imaging. The peak blood velocities in the central retinal artery and central retinal vein of tumor-containing eyes (tuCRAv and tuCRVv, respectively) were assessed. The velocities were compared with those for normal eyes (nlCRAv and nlCRVv) and correlated with clinical and pathological findings. Tumor dimensions in the pathological sections were compared with those in magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography and were correlated with tuCRAv and tuCRVv. In tumor-containing eyes, the resistivity index in the central retinal artery and the pulse index in the central retinal vein were studied in relation to all variables. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included. Comparisons between tuCRAv and nlCRAv and between tuCRVv and nlCRVv revealed higher velocities in tumor-containing eyes (p<0.001 for both), with a greater effect in the central retinal artery than in the central retinal vein (p=0.024). Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography measurements were as reliable as pathology assessments (p=0.675 and p=0.375, respectively). A positive relationship was found between tuCRAv and the tumor volume (p=0.027). The pulse index in the central retinal vein was lower in male patients (p=0.017) and in eyes with optic nerve invasion (p=0.0088). CONCLUSIONS: TuCRAv and tuCRVv are higher in tumor-containing eyes than in normal eyes. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography measurements are reliable. The tumor volume is correlated with a higher tuCRAv and a reduced pulse in the central retinal vein is correlated with male sex and optic nerve invasion. PMID:26735219

Variation of safety indices during in the learning curve for color Doppler assessment of the fetal heart at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks' gestation.

PubMed

Nemescu, Dragos; Berescu, Anca; Rotariu, Cristian

2015-12-01

The aim of our study was to analyze the variation of acoustic output, as expressed by the thermal (TI) and mechanical index (MI), during the learning curve for a fetal heart scan at 11-13 gestational weeks, with the introduction of a new ultrasound system. This was a prospective, observational study on 303 normal fetuses. The fetal heart was examined transabdominally using B-Mode and high definition (HD) color Doppler to obtain standard parameters: four-chamber, outflow tracts and three-vessel-trachea views. Data were analyzed in groups of 20 consecutive examinations and the percentage of successful examinations was calculated. TI and MI were retrieved from HD color Doppler examinations of the fetal heart and from pulsed-wave Doppler assessment of the tricuspid flow and ductus venosus. MI values from the color Doppler examination of the fetal heart showed a continuous decrease (0.81 to 0.75, p<0.001), along the learning phase. TI and MI indices from pulsed-wave Doppler evaluation of the tricuspid flow increased at the beginning of the learning phase and stabilized afterwards (0.34 to 0.36, p<0.05 and 0.37 to 0.4, p<0.001, respectively). TI from color Doppler exam of the heart and indices from ductus venosus assessment were very constant and did not change along the studied periods. The length of Doppler examination of the heart increased after about 80 cases by 25%, to a mean of 4 minutes (p<0.05). Safety indices from Doppler evaluation of the fetal heart and tricuspid flow vary during the learning curve for fetal heart assessment. Also, the occurrence of constant values suggests the potential for their supplementary active reduction. For a better adaptation to a new ultrasound technology, the sonographer should scan the fetal heart longer in the first trimester and follow displayed safety indices along the first 80 cases.

[Backward flow signal in the left atrium studied by Doppler echocardiography. Differentiation from mitral regurgitation].

PubMed

Nagoshi, H; Miyairi, M; Asato, T; Naito, M; Honda, M

1983-03-01

A backward flow signal in the left atrium masquerading as mitral regurgitation was studied by a pulsed Doppler method. The subjects consisted of 20 normal volunteers, 12 cases with mitral valve prolapse syndrome, five cases with rheumatic mitral regurgitation, five cases with lone atrial fibrillation, four cases with asymmetric septal hypertrophy and three cases with the Björk-Shiley tilting disc valve in the mitral position. In two-dimensional echocardiography combined with pulsed Doppler method, a Doppler signal was recorded by locating a sample volume in the left atrium. In all of the cases with mitral valve prolapse syndrome and the cases with the prosthetic valve as well as in all of the normal subjects, the backward flow signal was observed in the left atrium. In three cases with mitral valve prolapse syndrome, it was differentiated from a transvalvular regurgitant flow signal. In all cases with rheumatic mitral regurgitation, the backward flow signal was masked by a turbulent flow signal representing regurgitation. In cases with mitral stenosis, the backward flow signal was scarcely recognized. The duration of the backward flow signal had no relationship with heart rate. The histogram of incidence on the scale of R-R interval revealed normal distribution with a mean value of 0.24 sec (+/- 0.09 sec). Therefore, in cases with tachycardia, the backward flow signal was seen throughout systole. The peak backward flow velocity of Doppler signals was correlated (r = 0.71, p less than 0.01) with the peak forward flow velocity in diastole. The faint backward flow signal seen in cases with mitral stenosis and post-extrasystolic potentiation of the backward flow signal were suggestive of the foregoing relationship. The mechanism producing the backward flow was postulated as a water hammer phenomenon caused by closure of the mitral valve.

Piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers with low thermoelastic dissipation and high quality factor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xuying; Liu, Xinxin; Wang, Tao; Le, Xianhao; Ma, Fangyi; Lee, Chengkuo; Xie, Jin

2018-05-01

Thermoelastic dissipation is one of the main dissipative mechanisms in piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (pMUTs). In this paper, we firstly propose pMUTs with etching holes to decrease thermoelastic dissipation and enhance quality factor (Q). The etching holes effectively disturb heat flow, and thus reduce thermoelastic loss. Working mechanism based on the Zener’s model is interpreted. The experiment results show that the Q of pMUT with three rows of holes is increased by 139% from 2050 to 4909 compared with the traditional one. Temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) and vibration performance are also improved. The enhanced pMUT can be widely used in measurement of Doppler shift and relative high power applications.

Structural investigations of bismuth lead borosilicate glasses under the influence of gamma irradiation through ultrasonic studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bootjomchai, Cherdsak; Laopaiboon, Jintana; Laopaiboon, Raewat

2012-04-01

The ultrasonic velocity measurements for different compositions of irradiated bismuth lead borosilicate glasses xBi2O3-(50-x)PbO-20B2O3-30SiO2 (x=2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mol.%) were performed at room temperature using pulse-echo technique. Densities of glass samples were measured by Archimedes' principle using n-hexane as the immersion liquid. The results from the studies show that ultrasonic velocity, elastic moduli, Poisson's ratio, microhardness, and the Debye temperature increase with increasing bismuth oxide content and increasing gamma-radiation dose (3-12 Gy).

Geometric improvement of electrochemical discharge micro-drilling using an ultrasonic-vibrated electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Min-Seop; Min, Byung-Kwon; Lee, Sang Jo

2009-06-01

Electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) is a spark-based micromachining method especially suitable for the fabrication of various microstructures on nonconductive materials, such as glass and some engineering ceramics. However, since the spark discharge frequency is drastically reduced as the machining depth increases ECDM microhole drilling has confronted difficulty in achieving uniform geometry for machined holes. One of the primary reasons for this is the difficulty of sustaining an adequate electrolyte flow in the narrow gap between the tool and the workpiece, which results in a widened taper at the hole entrance, as well as a significant reduction of the machining depth. In this paper, ultrasonic electrolyte vibration was used to enhance the machining depth of the ECDM drilling process by assuring an adequate electrolyte flow, thus helping to maintain consistent spark generation. Moreover, the stability of the gas film formation, as well as the surface quality of the hole entrance, was improved with the aid of a side-insulated electrode and a pulse-power generator. The side-insulated electrode prevented stray electrolysis and concentrated the spark discharge at the tool tip, while the pulse voltage reduced thermal damage to the workpiece surface by introducing a periodic pulse-off time. Microholes were fabricated in order to investigate the effects of ultrasonic assistance on the overcut and machining depth of the holes. The experimental results demonstrated that the possibility of consistent spark generation and the machinability of microholes were simultaneously enhanced.

Modeling the Effects of Beam Size and Flaw Morphology on Ultrasonic Pulse/Echo Sizing of Delaminations in Carbon Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Margetan, Frank J.; Leckey, Cara A.; Barnard, Dan

2012-01-01

The size and shape of a delamination in a multi-layered structure can be estimated in various ways from an ultrasonic pulse/echo image. For example the -6dB contours of measured response provide one simple estimate of the boundary. More sophisticated approaches can be imagined where one adjusts the proposed boundary to bring measured and predicted UT images into optimal agreement. Such approaches require suitable models of the inspection process. In this paper we explore issues pertaining to model-based size estimation for delaminations in carbon fiber reinforced laminates. In particular we consider the influence on sizing when the delamination is non-planar or partially transmitting in certain regions. Two models for predicting broadband sonic time-domain responses are considered: (1) a fast "simple" model using paraxial beam expansions and Kirchhoff and phase-screen approximations; and (2) the more exact (but computationally intensive) 3D elastodynamic finite integration technique (EFIT). Model-to-model and model-to experiment comparisons are made for delaminations in uniaxial composite plates, and the simple model is then used to critique the -6dB rule for delamination sizing.

Dual-Doppler Feasibility Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huddleston, Lisa L.

2012-01-01

When two or more Doppler weather radar systems are monitoring the same region, the Doppler velocities can be combined to form a three-dimensional (3-D) wind vector field thus providing for a more intuitive analysis of the wind field. A real-time display of the 3-D winds can assist forecasters in predicting the onset of convection and severe weather. The data can also be used to initialize local numerical weather prediction models. Two operational Doppler Radar systems are in the vicinity of Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS); these systems are operated by the 45th Space Wing (45 SW) and the National Weather Service Melbourne, Fla. (NWS MLB). Dual-Doppler applications were considered by the 45 SW in choosing the site for the new radar. Accordingly, the 45th Weather Squadron (45 WS), NWS MLB and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration tasked the Applied Meteorology Unit (AMU) to investigate the feasibility of establishing dual-Doppler capability using the two existing systems. This study investigated technical, hardware, and software requirements necessary to enable the establishment of a dual-Doppler capability. Review of the available literature pertaining to the dual-Doppler technique and consultation with experts revealed that the physical locations and resulting beam crossing angles of the 45 SW and NWS MLB radars make them ideally suited for a dual-Doppler capability. The dual-Doppler equations were derived to facilitate complete understanding of dual-Doppler synthesis; to determine the technical information requirements; and to determine the components of wind velocity from the equation of continuity and radial velocity data collected by the two Doppler radars. Analysis confirmed the suitability of the existing systems to provide the desired capability. In addition, it is possible that both 45 SW radar data and Terminal Doppler Weather Radar data from Orlando International Airport could be used to alleviate any

Ultrasonic-generated fluid velocity with Sovereign WhiteStar micropulse and continuous phacoemulsification.

PubMed

Steinert, Roger F; Schafer, Mark E

2006-02-01

To evaluate and compare ultrasonic turbulence created by conventional and micropulse ultrasound technology. Sonora Medical Systems, Longmont, Colorado, USA. A high-resolution digital ultrasound probe imaged the zone around a phacoemulsification tip. Doppler analysis allowed determination of flow. The fluid velocity was measured at 4 levels of ultrasound power at a constant flow, comparing the ultrasonic conditions of continuous energy to WhiteStar micropulses. In addition to the normal baseline irrigation and aspiration, fluid movement was detected directly below the phaco tip, produced by a nonlinear effect known as acoustic streaming. Acoustic streaming increased with increased phacoemulsification power for both conditions. At each of the 4 levels of power, fluid velocity away from the tip was less with micropulse technology than with continuous phacoemulsification. The demonstrated decrease in acoustic streaming flow away from the phaco tip with Sovereign WhiteStar micropulse technology compared to conventional ultrasound provides an objective explanation for clinical observations of increased stability of nuclear fragments at the tip and less turbulence in the anterior chamber during phacoemulsification. This methodology can be used to examine and compare fluid flow and turbulence under a variety of clinically relevant conditions.

Ultrasonography with color Doppler and power Doppler in the diagnosis of periapical lesions

PubMed Central

Goel, Sumit; Nagendrareddy, Suma Gundareddy; Raju, Manthena Srinivasa; Krishnojirao, Dayashankara Rao Jingade; Rastogi, Rajul; Mohan, Ravi Prakash Sasankoti; Gupta, Swati

2011-01-01

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasonography (USG) with color Doppler and power Doppler applications over conventional radiography in the diagnosis of periapical lesions. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients having inflammatory periapical lesions of the maxillary or mandibular anterior teeth and requiring endodontic surgery were selected for inclusion in this study. All patients consented to participate in the study. We used conventional periapical radiographs as well as USG with color Doppler and power Doppler for the diagnosis of these lesions. Their diagnostic performances were compared against histopathologic examination. All data were compared and statistically analyzed. Results: USG examination with color Doppler and power Doppler identified 29 (19 cysts and 10 granulomas) of 30 periapical lesions accurately, with a sensitivity of 100% for cysts and 90.91% for granulomas and a specificity of 90.91% for cysts and 100% for granulomas. In comparison, conventional intraoral radiography identified only 21 lesions (sensitivity of 78.9% for cysts and 45.4% for granulomas and specificity of 45.4% for cysts and 78.9% for granulomas). There was definite correlation between the echotexture of the lesions and the histopathological features except in one case. Conclusions: USG imaging with color Doppler and power Doppler is superior to conventional intraoral radiographic methods for diagnosing the nature of periapical lesions in the anterior jaws. This study reveals the potential of USG examination in the study of other jaw lesions. PMID:22223940

Coherent Doppler Wind Lidar Development at NASA Langley Research Center for NASA Space-Based 3-D Winds Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Upendra N.; Kavaya, Michael J.; Yu, Jirong; Koch, Grady J.

2012-01-01

We review the 20-plus years of pulsed transmit laser development at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) to enable a coherent Doppler wind lidar to measure global winds from earth orbit. We briefly also discuss the many other ingredients needed to prepare for this space mission.

Note: Piezoelectric polymers as transducers for the ultrasonic-reflection method and the application in mechanical property-screening of coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wegener, Michael; Oehler, Harald; Lellinger, Dirk; Alig, Ingo

2012-01-01

In the last years, non-destructive ultrasonic testing methods are more and more frequently employed in order to investigate the drying and curing processes of different coatings. Among them an ultrasonic reflection method was developed allowing the simultaneous measurement with longitudinal and transversal waves. In order to generate the ultrasonic pulse, piezoelectric ceramics or oxides are usually used as transducer materials which are connected to a delay line. Here, we demonstrate a similar approach for the ultrasonic reflection method installing piezoelectric polymers as ultrasonic transducer materials. In detail, poly(vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] copolymers were prepared as piezoelectric transducer layers directly onto the metallization of glass delay lines avoiding additional bonding processes. The film preparation was carried out by solvent casting the polymer onto an area with a diameter of 12 mm and is optimized so that relatively homogeneous polymer layers with thicknesses between 14 and 35 μm are adjusted by the deposited amount of the polymer. Electrical poling renders the polymer piezoelectric. The ultrasonic properties of the P(VDF-TrFE) transducer and their usability for the ultrasonic reflection method are described also in comparison to previous measurements using LiNbO3 transducer.

Hidden corrosion detection in aircraft aluminum structures using laser ultrasonics and wavelet transform signal analysis.

PubMed

Silva, M Z; Gouyon, R; Lepoutre, F

2003-06-01

Preliminary results of hidden corrosion detection in aircraft aluminum structures using a noncontact laser based ultrasonic technique are presented. A short laser pulse focused to a line spot is used as a broadband source of ultrasonic guided waves in an aluminum 2024 sample cut from an aircraft structure and prepared with artificially corroded circular areas on its back surface. The out of plane surface displacements produced by the propagating ultrasonic waves were detected with a heterodyne Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Time-frequency analysis of the signals using a continuous wavelet transform allowed the identification of the generated Lamb modes by comparison with the calculated dispersion curves. The presence of back surface corrosion was detected by noting the loss of the S(1) mode near its cutoff frequency. This method is applicable to fast scanning inspection techniques and it is particularly suited for early corrosion detection.

Development of a solid-state sodium Doppler lidar using an all-fiber-coupled injection seeding unit for simultaneous temperature and wind measurements in the mesopause region.

PubMed

Xia, Yuan; Du, LiFang; Cheng, XueWu; Li, FaQuan; Wang, JiHong; Wang, ZeLong; Yang, Yong; Lin, Xin; Xun, YuChang; Gong, ShunSheng; Yang, GuoTao

2017-03-06

A solid-state sodium (Na) Doppler lidar developed at YanQing Station, Beijing, China (40°N, 116°E) aiming to simultaneous wind and temperature measurement of mesopause region was reported. The 589 nm pulse laser was produced by two injection seeded 1064 nm and 1319 nm Nd:YAG pulse lasers using the sum-frequency generation (SFG) technique. A fiber amplifier is implemented to boost the seed power at 1064 nm, enabling a robust, all-fiber-coupled design for seeding laser unit, absolute laser frequency locking, and cyclic three-frequency switching necessary for simultaneous temperature and wind measurements. The all-fiber-coupled injection seeding configuration together with the solid-state Nd:YAG lasers make the Na Doppler lidar more compact and greatly reduce the system maintenance, which is conducive to transportable and unattended operation. A preliminary observational result obtained with this solid-state sodium Doppler lidar was also reported in this paper.

Method and apparatus for ultrasonic characterization through the thickness direction of a moving web

DOEpatents

Jackson, Theodore; Hall, Maclin S.

2001-01-01

A method and apparatus for determining the caliper and/or the ultrasonic transit time through the thickness direction of a moving web of material using ultrasonic pulses generated by a rotatable wheel ultrasound apparatus. The apparatus includes a first liquid-filled tire and either a second liquid-filled tire forming a nip or a rotatable cylinder that supports a thin moving web of material such as a moving web of paper and forms a nip with the first liquid-filled tire. The components of ultrasonic transit time through the tires and fluid held within the tires may be resolved and separately employed to determine the separate contributions of the two tire thicknesses and the two fluid paths to the total path length that lies between two ultrasonic transducer surfaces contained within the tires in support of caliper measurements. The present invention provides the benefit of obtaining a transit time and caliper measurement at any point in time as a specimen passes through the nip of rotating tires and eliminates inaccuracies arising from nonuniform tire circumferential thickness by accurately retaining point-to-point specimen transit time and caliper variation information, rather than an average obtained through one or more tire rotations. Morever, ultrasonic transit time through the thickness direction of a moving web may be determined independent of small variations in the wheel axle spacing, tire thickness, and liquid and tire temperatures.

Repeatability of Doppler ultrasound measurements of hindlimb blood flow in halothane anaesthetised horses.

PubMed

Raisis, A L; Young, L E; Meire, H; Walsh, K; Taylor, P M; Lekeux, P

2000-05-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the repeatability of femoral blood flow recorded using Doppler ultrasound in anaesthetised horses. Doppler ultrasound of the femoral artery and vein was performed in 6 horses anaesthetised with halothane and positioned in left lateral recumbency. Velocity spectra, recorded using low pulse repetition frequency, were used to calculate time-averaged mean velocity (TAV), velocity of component a (TaVa), velocity of component b (TaVb), volumetric flow, early diastolic deceleration slope (EDDS) and pulsatility index (PI). Within-patient variability was determined for sequential Doppler measurements recorded during a single standardised anaesthetic episode. Within-patient variability was also determined for Doppler and cardiovascular measurements recorded during 4 separate standardised anaesthetic episodes performed at intervals of at least one month. Within-patient variation during a single anaesthetic episode was small. Coefficients of variation (cv) were <12.5% for arterial measurements and <17% for venous measurements. Intraclass correlation coefficient was >0.75 for all measurements. No significant change was observed in measurements of cardiovascular function suggesting that within-patient variation observed during a single anaesthetic episode was due to measurement error. In contrast, within-patient variation during 4 separate anaesthetic episodes was marked (cv>17%) for most Doppler measurements obtained from arteries and veins. Variation in measurements of cardiovascular function were marked (cv>20%), suggesting that there is marked biological variation in central and peripheral observed. Further studies are warranted to determine the ability of this technique to detect differences in blood flow during administration of different anaesthetic agents.

The wave-field from an array of periodic emitters driven simultaneously by a broadband pulse.

PubMed

Dixon, Steve; Hill, Samuel; Fan, Yichao; Rowlands, George

2013-06-01

The use of phased array methods are commonplace in ultrasonic applications, where controlling the variation of the phase between the narrowband emitters in an array facilitates beam steering and focusing of ultrasonic waves. An approach is presented here whereby emitters of alternating polarity arranged in a one-dimensional array are pulsed simultaneously, and have sufficiently wide, controlled bandwidth to emit a two-dimensional wave. This pulsed approach provides a rapid means of simultaneously covering a region of space with a wave-front, whereby any wave that scatters or reflects off a body to a detector will have a distinct arrival time and frequency. This is a general wave phenomenon with a potential application in radar, sonar, and ultrasound. The key result is that one can obtain a smooth, continuous wave-front emitted from the array, over a large solid angle, whose frequency varies as a function of angle to the array. Analytic and finite element models created to describe this phenomenon have been validated with experimental results using ultrasonic waves in metal samples.

Laser ultrasonics for bulk-density distribution measurement on green ceramic tiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Revel, G. M.; Cavuto, A.; Pandarese, G.

2016-10-01

In this paper a Laser Ultrasonics (LUT) system is developed and applied to measure bulk density distribution of green ceramic tiles, which are porous materials with low heat conductivity. Bulk density of green ceramic bodies is a fundamental parameter to be kept under control in the industrial production of ceramic tiles. The LUT system proposed is based on a Nd:YAG pulsed laser for excitation and an air-coupled electro-capacitive transducer for detection. The paper reports experimental apparent bulk-density measurements on white ceramic bodies after a calibration procedures. The performances observed are better than those previously achieved by authors using air-coupled ultrasonic probes for both emission and detection, allowing to reduce average uncertainty down to about ±6 kg/m3 (±0.3%), thanks to the increase in excitation efficiency and lateral resolution, while maintaining potential flexibility for on-line application. The laser ultrasonic procedure proposed is available for both on-line and off-line application. In this last case it is possible to obtain bulk density maps with high spatial resolution by a 2D scan without interrupting the production process.

Application of Discrete Huygens Method for Diffraction of Transient Ultrasonic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alia, A.

2018-01-01

Several time-domain methods have been widely used to predict impulse response in acoustics. Despite its great potential, Discrete Huygens Method (DHM) has not been as widely used in the domain of ultrasonic diffraction as in other fields. In fact, little can be found in literature about the application of the DHM to diffraction phenomenon that can be described in terms of direct and edge waves, a concept suggested by Young since 1802. In this paper, a simple axisymmetric DHM-model has been used to simulate the transient ultrasonic field radiation of a baffled transducer and its diffraction by a target located on axis. The results are validated by impulse response based calculations. They indicate the capability of DHM to simulate diffraction occurring at transducer and target edges and to predict the complicated transient field in pulse mode.

Energy shadowing correction of ultrasonic pulse-echo records by digital signal processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kishoni, D.; Heyman, J. S.

1986-01-01

Attention is given to a numerical algorithm that, via signal processing, enables the dynamic correction of the shadowing effect of reflections on ultrasonic displays. The algorithm was applied to experimental data from graphite-epoxy composite material immersed in a water bath. It is concluded that images of material defects with the shadowing corrections allow for a more quantitative interpretation of the material state. It is noted that the proposed algorithm is fast and simple enough to be adopted for real time applications in industry.

Ultrasonic Maintenance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)