The dynamic excitation of a granular chain: Contact mechanics finite element analysis and experimental validation

There is currently interest in transmitting acoustic signals along granular chains to produce waveforms of relevance to biomedical ultrasound applications. The study of such a transduction mechanism is greatly aided by the use of validated theoretical models. In view of this, a finite element analysis is presented in this paper. The dynamics of a granular chain of six, 1 mm diameter chrome steel spherical beads, was excited at one end using a sinusoidal displacement signal at 73 kHz, and terminated by a rigid support. Output from this model was compared with the solution provided by the equivalent discrete dynamics model, and good agreement obtained. An experimental configuration involving the same chain, but terminated by an annular support made of a liquid photopolymer resin was also simulated and the velocity of the last sphere obtained through simulation was compared with laser vibrometer measurement, with good agreement. This model was then extended whereby the granular chain was coupled to an acoustic medium with the properties of water, via a thin vitreous carbon cylinder. Finite element predictions of the acoustic pressure indicate that, for a 73 kHz excitation frequency, harmonic rich acoustic pulses with harmonic content close to 1 MHz are predicted.