Computation of the Ultrasonic Field Radiated by Segmented-Annular Arrays

A method for computing the ultrasonic field radiated from segmented annular arrays is presented. Using the well known convolution-impulse response approach, an analytical expression for the spatial impulse response velocity potential from a segmented annular transducer valid for all spatial points is obtained. The array field is then calculated by superposition. The proposed solution allows us to predict transient and continuous wave pressure fields from segmented annular arrays without requiring any far-field or paraxial approximation. In order to evaluate the proposed method, an analysis of efficiency versus accuracy of the computational results is also incorporated.