Applications of High Intensity Ultrasound

Abstract

In the applications of ultrasound described in Chapters IX to XII it was the ability of ultrasonic waves to convey information which was exploited, whereas the energy transported in them is basically of no importance at all. In particular, it is not intended in those applications to produce any changes in the irradiated region. In contrast, the present chapter will deal with possibilities of causing permanent changes or modifications of a desired kind in materials and objects by the action of ultrasound. This can be understood as material processing in the widest sense of the meaning. Although in this instance effects other than those of sheer energy transported by the sound waves are frequently employed, it is evident that they must have a certain minimum energy to produce such changes.