High Frequency Broadband Hybrid Transducer/Amplifier

The Phase I effort successfully developed an integrated magnetostrictive transducer/amplifier module concept to meet these performance goals: broad bandwidth (7-30 kHz), compact size (approximately ½ wavelength at the center frequency), at least 30 Watts output power, and high efficiency. Conceptual designs of the transducer, amplifier, and the integrated transducer module developed during Phase I will be proven with hardware demonstrations during Phase II. The transducer is a hybrid Terfenol-D/Galfenol multiresonant tonpilz. The amplifier is a compact version of QorTek’s proprietary amplifier technology. Broadband performance was achieved by switching phase of the mechanical response between the Terfenol-D and Galfenol at a specified frequency which can be implemented in the amplifier and control electronics. In order to demonstrate the integrated transducer technology, the following objectives must be achieved in the proposed work: • Objective 1. Validate transducer and amplifier behavior using modeling and limited hardware demonstrations. • Objective 2. Demonstrate the integrated transducer/amplifier by building and testing integrated transducer modules. • (Option 1) Objective 3. Design an array of integrated modules to demonstrate capabilities of the module. • (Option 2) Objective 4. Demonstrate the technology to enable review and adoption by Navy transition program offices.