Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic is a term used to describe sound waves with a frequency higher than the upper limit of human hearing, which is typically considered to be around 20 kilohertz (kHz). The term is derived from the Latin words "ultra," meaning "beyond," and "sonic," meaning "sound." Ultrasonic waves are used in a variety of applications, including medical imaging, industrial cleaning, and non-destructive testing of materials.

History

The use of ultrasonic waves for practical applications began in the early 20th century. In 1917, Paul Langevin and his colleagues developed the first ultrasonic transducer, which was used to detect submarines during World War I. Since then, the technology has evolved and expanded into many different fields.

Medical Applications

In the medical field, ultrasonic waves are used in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Diagnostic Ultrasonography

Diagnostic ultrasonography is a technique that uses ultrasonic waves to create images of the inside of the body. This is done by emitting a beam of ultrasonic waves into the body, which then bounce back to the transducer when they hit a boundary between different types of tissue. The time it takes for the waves to return allows for the calculation of the distance to the boundary, creating a two-dimensional image of the internal structure.

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound is a treatment modality that uses ultrasonic waves to promote healing and reduce pain and inflammation. It is commonly used in physical therapy to treat conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, and muscle strains.

Industrial Applications

Ultrasonic waves are also used in various industrial applications.

Ultrasonic Cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaning is a process that uses ultrasonic waves to remove dirt and other contaminants from objects. The waves create microscopic bubbles in a cleaning solution, which then implode and create a shock wave that dislodges the contaminants.

Non-Destructive Testing

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a method of evaluating the properties of a material, component, or system without causing damage. Ultrasonic testing is a type of NDT that uses ultrasonic waves to detect flaws in materials.

See Also

• Sonar
• Ultrasound
• Medical ultrasonography
• Ultrasonic sensor
• Ultrasonic cleaning
• Non-destructive testing

Ultrasonic Resources
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