Model updating applied to ultrasound piezoelectric transducers

The analysis of ultrasound transducers using piezoelectric actuators requires a precise knowledge of the physical parameters of the materials used to build them. Any error on these parameters induces discrepancies between theoretical and experimental dynamical behaviour. A model updating method based on a first order derivation of the equilibrium equation is proposed. The admittance sensitivity matrix, S _Y, with respect to the input parameters is obtained. To decrease the distance Finite Element Model/experiment, the best correction of the material coefficients is calculated by a least square method. This approach is then implemented for a 2-layer bar structure modelled by a 2-D finite elements. It provides a perfect adjustment of the finite element model on the real structure behaviour. Furthermore, these data are introduced in the finite element model (FEM) of another bar structure, built using the same materials. The quasi-perfect agreement between the model response and the experimental data proves the efficiency of the proposed approach