Announcing the release of SonoAnalyzer Pro beta version 1.4.7. This is a 60-day trial version available free of charge to all clients who have purchased SonoAnalyzer OE (annual or one-month license) or SonoAnalyzer Pro pre-release.
This version introduces multiple-component models based on four new "3rd generation" cylindrical sonotrode models, for SonoAnalyzer Pro only. These models (in common with the recent slotted-rectangular #3 models) are more closely connected to the Finite Element model than previously - the graphics used in SonoAnalyzer are generated directly from the node positions of the FE model.
- User-defined #3 sonotrode - define your own shape by diameter and length of 12 sections, with optional blend radii between them.
- Stepped #3 sonotrode - the classic stepped design specified by diameters, lengths and blend radius. Set the position of the step either at a fixed distance from one end or as a percentage of the total length.
- Conical #3 sonotrode - the standard conical design (optionally with cylindrical ends) specified by diameters and lengths.
- Exponential #3 sonotrode - efficient exponential shape (optionally with cylindrical ends) specified by diameters and lengths.
- Multi-component #3 sonotrode - combine any* number of the above together and analyze as one system.
The multi-component model is intended for two use cases:
- for modelling a stack of several half-wavelength components (as typically used in ultrasonics applications) to predict possible unwanted interactions
- for complex shapes where the 12 sections of the user-defined model don't provide enough detail to accurately simulate the real shape.
To build a multiple-component model simply select it from the list on the Analysis tab as usual. From the "+" tab which appears, select the type of component to add, or load an existing saved component. This feature allows users to design and tune each component separately, save it to a file and finally combine all saved components as a new analysis. At this stage only saved models based on the four new types listed above can be used.
* Any number of components? There's no hard limit set within the program but of course there will be a limit, depending on the size and complexity of the components and the memory available to the program, and the capability of the analysis computer (which may or may not be the same one). In early trials a stack of six 20kHz half-wavelength components was run successfully using the standard mesh size, with the analysis taking only a few minutes. Note that larger structures will require an increase in the number of modes extracted. This can be changed in the Pro menu under Options.
Some new features have also been introduced: The ability to include displacement constraints on the analysis and control the frequency range of results for cylindrical Pro models. These options are accessed through the Pro - Options dialog. In addition to selecting the number of modes extracted (on previous versions) this now includes inputs for min and max frequencies (blank maximum means no limit). However, when using these options please note that the number of modes is considered first - this must be large enough to find all the modes in the frequency range of interest. If the number of modes limit is hit while a frequency range is in operation the program will give a warning on completion of the analysis.
