Recent development in numerical modeling of transduction materials for future sonar transducers

The evolution of sonar system performance, coupled with achievements in the field of acoustic quieting has increased the need for new transduction materials. Research work in this area has led to the development of new ceramics that are promising for both hydrophone and projector applications. Other materials have also been studied like piezoelectric composite materials, magnetostrictive and electrostrictive materials. To design transducers using these materials the finite element method is the best suited approach. Using this method, it is possible to analyze, characterize and tailor new materials as well as to design a full transducer or an array. The aim of the paper is to present for different type of materials the results obtained using the finite element method