Design and analysis of an ultrasonic extensive circular plate with stepped profile for special using in drying applications

Abstract

The ultrasound waves are recognized as an effective green technology with outstanding potentials in various applications including the dehydration processes of food materials. However, the application of this technology is still confined at the laboratory levels due to limited power capacity of available ultrasound systems in the large-scale airborne applications. The extensive plate radiators are essential parts that can effectively increase the amplitude of oscillations generated by piezo-electric transducers and induce high-intensity acoustic pressure field in the surrounding airflow. Using an analytical model, the geometric parameters in a simple flat circular radiator were evaluated. However, this configuration propagated counter-phase radiations with diminished overall ultrasound effect. In this study, a stepped profile with specific geometrical dimensions is proposed to modify the response of excited extensive plate. The modal analysis showed that for 20,259 Hz, just close to the system’s resonance frequency, the plate generated directed and focused vibrations. Furthermore, the design provided a more convenient distribution of natural frequencies to eliminate the risk of harmful interaction of mode shapes.