Article Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is "Ultrasonics?"
3. Nature of Sound Waves
4. Cavitation and Implosion
5. Benefits of Ultrasonics
6. Ultrasonics Speeds Cleaning
7. Complex Contaminants
8. Ultrasonic Generators
9. Pulse and Frequency Sweep
10. Frequency and Amplitude
11. Magnetostrictive Transducers
12. Piezoelectric Transducers
13. Ultrasonic Cleaning Equipment
14. Maximizing the Cleaning Process
15. Maximizing Cavitation
16. Minimizing Dissolved Gas
17. Maximizing Overall Cleaning Effect (1)
18. Maximizing Overall Cleaning Effect (2)
19. Conclusion

Ultrasonic Cleaning: Fundamental Theory and Application
(p. 10)

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Frequency and Amplitude

Frequency and amplitude are properties of sound waves. The illustrations below demonstrate frequency and amplitude using the spring model introduced earlier. In the diagram, if A is the base sound wave, B with less displacement of the media (less intense compression and rarefaction) as the wave front passes, represents a sound wave of less amplitude or "loudness." C represents a sound wave of higher frequency indicated by more wave fronts passing a given point within a given period of time.

Ultrasonic Transducers

There are two general types of ultrasonic transducers in use today: Magnetostrictive and piezoelectric. Both accomplish the same task of converting alternating electrical energy to vibratory mechanical energy but do it through the use of different means.

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