Uses of Ultrasonic Waves Ultrasound is a type of sound energy that is above the range of human hearing, which has a maximum frequency of 20,000 cycles per second or hertz. It is emitted as a wave and used naturally by animals in social and navigational contexts. Ultrasound is also used by humans, although with the help of technology, for a number of industrial and medical applications.
Form of Communication Ultrasound is used as a form of communication in some groups of animals, including bats and frogs. Bats rely on ultrasound to navigate by emitting high pitched, short wave-length sounds that rebound from their surrounding environment and help them produce an accurate map of their surroundings. Ultrasound is also used by bats as a form of communication.
Ultrasonic Cleaning Ultrasonic cleaning is the application of ultrasonic sound waves in the removal of contaminants from devices that are immersed in an aqueous solution. It can be used to clean materials such as glass, ceramics and metals, and typical contaminants include oil, grease, dirt and mold. In industry, applications of ultrasonic cleaning include removing chips and oils from cutting and machining operations and removing sludge and greases from rebuilt components of automobiles and aircraft. Equipment used for carrying out ultrasound cleaning include a bank of ultrasonic transducers mounted to a radiating diaphragm, a tank filled with an aqueous solution and an electrical generator.
Ultrasonic Welding Ultrasonic welding uses high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations to weld two pieces of plastic together. The welding process is highly automated, with the time and frequency being programmed into the welding machine and each process is carried out according to the computer's instructions. The welding processes involves one half of plastic being placed on a fixed anvil and the other half placed on top of it. A "horn" is then lowered down on top, which is an extension connected to the welding machine's transducer. Rapid low-amplitude ultrasonic vibrations are applied through the horn to a moulding in a small welding area. The vibrating processes converts the ultrasonic waves to heat energy, rapidly welding the two pieces together. As there is a lot of energy involved in the welding process, it is considered too risky to weld together very large components.
Other Uses of Ultrasonic Waves