Design and Fabrication of a Longitudinal-Torsional Ultrasonic Transducer

A hybrid longitudinal-torsional ultrasonic transducer is designed and fabricated in this research. The design of the transducer was performed using the FE method with ABAQUS software, with the aim of combining the longitudinal and torsional vibration modes. The transducer horn is then fabricated using a 4-axis milling machine. The PZT stacks are employed in order to excite the transducer. The transducer body is fabricated with grade 5 titanium for its appropriate mechanical properties. The transducer is then assembled and the experimental tests are carried out to measure the vibration amplitude in both longitudinal and torsional directions using an Eddy current displacement sensor. Theresults showed that the resonance frequencies of both the torsional and longitudinal modes are the same and experimental results are in good agreement with the FE results. The transducer can be used as a vibration tool for vibration assisted drilling which can produce both longitudinal and torsional vibrations.