High power ultrasonics in industryߞa review

The value of ultrasonic energy as a form of power for industry has been known for many years, but equipment design limitations have prevented full exploitation. Recent developments are now changing the situation and progress is being made on a wider front than the established fields of cleaning and welding. The historical background provides some reasons for the slow acceptance and the future relies on increased research effort into the design of efficient transducers. A better understanding of the principles involved in high power ultrasonic propagation is also required.