High-speed switching of current in gradient coils within high magnetic field strength magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners results in high acoustic sound pressure levels (SPL) in and around these machines. To characterize the vibration properties as well as the acoustic noise properties of the gradient coil, a finite-element (FE) model was developed using the dimensional design specifications of an available gradient-coil insert and the concentration of the copper windings in the coil. This FE model was then validated using experimentally collected vibration data. A computational acoustic noise model was then developed based on the validated FE model. The validation of the finite-element analysis results was done using experimental modal testing of the same gradient coil in a free-free state (no boundary constraints). Based on the validated FE model, boundary conditions (supports) were added to the model to simulate the operating condition when the gradient-coil insert is in place in an MRI machine. Vibration analysis results from the FE model were again validated through experimental vibration testing with the gradient-coil insert installed in the MRI scanner and excited using swept sinusoidal time waveforms. The simulation results from the computational acoustic noise model were also validated through experimental noise measurement from the gradient-coil insert in the MRI scanner using swept sinusoidal time waveform inputs. Comparisons show that the FE model predicts the vibration properties and the computational acoustic noise model predicts the noise characteristic properties extremely accurately.

High magnetic field strength and high-speed gradient coil current switching are combining to yield high acoustic sound pressure levels (SPL) in and around magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. Studies have already been conducted that partially characterize this sound field, and various methods have been investigated in an attempt to attenuate the noise generated. To more fully characterize and predict the vibration and acoustic response of a gradient coil inside a scanner, a series of finite element analysis (FEA), vibro-acoustic analysis, and experimental measurements were carried out. The FEA and vibro-acoustic model used was based on specific internal and external structural dimensions and the material physical properties of a gradient coil insert. The model-based results were verified through experimental vibration and acoustic testing of the same gradient coil. It was found that the experimental analysis results were in good agreement with the model-based results in all cases. The numerical methods developed in this study could provide a basis for the virtual testing of gradient coil designs that will allow the prediction of vibration and acoustic behavior.

No abstract

High magnetic field strength and high-speed gradient coil current switching are becoming ever more commonplace in magnetic resonance imaging scanners. These and other factors are combining to yield high acoustic sound pressure levels (SPLs) in and around magnetic resonance imagers. Studies have already been conducted which partially characterize this sound field, and various methods have been investigated to attenuate the noise generated. In order to predict the vibration and acoustic response of a gradient coil inside a scanner, finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out. The model was based on specific internal and external structural dimensions and the material physical properties of a gradient coil. The FEA results were verified through experimental modal testing of the same gradient coil. It was found that the experimental modal analysis results were in good agreement with the FEA results. The Lorentz force distribution on the gradient coil caused by the time varying current in the coil windings was then applied to the FEA model to obtain the velocity distribution of the coil surface as a function of time. A vibro-acoustic computational model was then developed based on the verified FEA model. The surface velocity distribution was then used to predict the sound field inside the gradient coil. The vibro-acoustic model was verified using experimental noise measurements with swept sinusoidal waveform inputs to the gradient coil conductors. The numerical methods developed in this study could provide a guide and virtual testing platform for the designer of gradient coils to predict the vibration and acoustic behavior of new designs and thereby offer the opportunity to redesign and/or optimize the design to reduce SPLs.

Evaluation of gallium-indium alloy as an acoustic couplant for high-impedance, high-frequency applications ARLO 6, 125 (2005); 10.1121/1.1903025 Simultaneous determination of the mechanical moduli and mass of thin layers using nonadditive quartz crystal acoustic impedance analysis A method for the determination of acoustic impedance, time of flight, and attenuation of an immersed thin linear-viscoelastic layer on a substrate of infinite extent is proposed as the transfer functions of the normally incident ultrasonic reflected signals are given. Utilizing the derived analytical expressions related to the measured data, three parameters can be determined without considering the acoustic impedance of the substrate and giving the initial guesses and the corresponding convergence zones. The measurement relations between the layer properties and the three parameters are theoretically derived. The method stability against the experimental noises is numerically investigated.