Characterization of the nonlinear propagation of diffracting, finite amplitude ultrasonic fields

The scope of this thesis is to investigate the nonlinear physics fundamental to the progressive distortion of a bounded finite amplitude ultrasonic beam. Emphasis is placed on the experimental characterization of the spatial dependence in harmonic frequency content for a finite amplitude ultrasonic field generated by a narrowband bounded source. Asymptotic forms of the Burgers equation are considered to facilitate analysis of finite amplitude measurements (Fubini solution) and simulation of strongly shocked waveforms (Fay solution). The impact of the Kramers-Krönig dispersion relationship on shock wave evolution in media with frequency dependent power law attenuation is demonstrated. A numerical simulation tool incorporating the complete form of the nonlinear Burgers equation into a linear angular spectrum description of the three dimensional ultrasonic field is developed and presented. Experimental validation of the numerical simulation tool is achieved through comparison with a series of detailed hydrophone measurements of the finite amplitude ultrasonic field generated by a clinical echocardiographic imaging system. Once validated, the simulation tool is used to assist the design and motivation of experimental measurements of intrinsic acoustic parameters in liquid mixtures. A novel experimental technique is utilized to determine both nonlinear and linear acoustic parameters in mixtures of isopropyl alcohol and water.