Underwater transducer

摘要

An underwater sonar transducer includes a centrally located beam with a plurality of stacks of piezoelectric transducer elements extending from each side, with a rigid end beam at the opposite end of each stack. A plurality of bolts extending from one end beam to the other on opposite sides of the stacks are tightened to apply a desired amount of prestress on the ceramic stacks. Arcuate radiating elements are welded to opposite sides of each end beam, end cap members are fastened to the centrally located beam at each end of the transducer and a jacket of elastomeric material is bonded to the edges of the end cap members to prevent ingress of fluid into the piezoelectric elements. Energizing of the piezoelectric elements causes expansion and contraction of the stacks, pushing the end beams in and out and causing bowing of the radiating elements to project sonar energy.