In our previous blog of the series, we talked about ‘Reflection of sound’. Today we are going to discuss about ‘Application of Ultrasound’.
In our previous blogs of the series, we discussed about some features of sound. From the discussion we are familiar with the concept of sound as a form of vibrational waves. These sound waves are measured in the term of amplitude and frequency. Sound waves are categorized in different frequency ranges. The range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz of sound waves are audible sounds and are known as Acoustic. Sound waves having frequency lower than 20 Hz is known as Infrasound and the sound having frequency greater than 20 kHz is known as Ultrasound.
Ultrasound is not audible to human ear. Human ear is limited to sense only the sound waves of acoustic frequency range. But in nature and human life, ultrasounds have many applications. We are going to discuss some of them.
- Cleaning: Ultrasound waves are used to cleaning the object or part of object which is hard to reach out. The high frequency vibrational waves strike the objects and make them grease. This technique is very helpful in cleaning the object thoroughly.
- Detecting cracks and flows: Before using the metal blocks in construction, it is strongly recommended to confirm if the metal block is crack and void free from inside. In the process of making metal block, there are possibilities, cracks or voids may be formed inside the block which is not visible from outside. These cracks or voids effects negatively on strength of the block. Passing ultrasound through the block, we can easily detect in them and avoid the risk of strength of constructions.
- Echocardiography: Echocardiography is a technique used in medical industry. In this technique ultrasound is reflected from different parts of the heart and form image.
- Ultrasonography: Ultrasonography is the technique to detect abnormalities of internal organs of human body. Ultrasonic waves travel through the tissues of organs and reflect if the density of tissue is changing. These reflections are converted into images and examined by the doctors.
- SONAR: SONAR stand for ‘Sound Navigation And Ranging’. SONAR is a device, designed to measure distance and navigate the direction by transmitting ultrasonic waves. It could be said that this device is inspired by the bats. Bats biosystem is designed such a way that, they navigate, identify the object, differentiate between prey, and measure the distance by transmitting ultrasonic waves.
That’s enough for now. In some of our upcoming blog, we will discuss about chemicals and chemical reactions. Until then, find out more applications of ultrasound and write us in the comment box. See you in the next blog.