Applications Of Ultrasound

What is Ultrasound?
Sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing are called ultrasound. The limit varies from person to person but is approximately 20,000 Hertz. The physical properties of ultrasound are similar to the normal audible sound. This type of scientific concept is used in many different fields such as navigation, medicine, imaging, cleaning, mixing, communication, testing etc. Even in nature, bats and porpoises use this particular technique for the location of prey and obstacles. In the following section, we shall learn about its applications.

Applications:
Cleaning
In objects with parts that are difficult to reach, for example, spiral tubes and electronic components, the process of ultrasonic cleaning is used. Here, the object is dipped in a solution of suitable cleaning material and ultrasonic waves are passed into it. As a result of this, high-frequency waves are generated that cause the dirt and grease to detach from the surface.



Detection of Cracks
Ultrasound is used to detect cracks in the metallic components that are used in the construction of high-rise structures such as buildings and bridges. They generate and display an ultrasonic waveform that is interpreted by a trained operator, often with the aid of analysis software, to locate and categorize flaws in test pieces. High-frequency sound waves reflect flaws in predictable ways, producing distinctive echo patterns that can be displayed and recorded by portable instruments. A trained operator identifies specific echo patterns corresponding to the response from good parts and representative flaws. The echo pattern from a test piece may then be compared to the patterns from these calibration standards to determine its condition.

Echocardiography
In the electrocardiography process, the ultrasonic waves are used to form an image of the heart using reflection and detection of these waves from various parts.

Ultrasonography
Medical ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique based on it. It images internal body structures such as muscles, joints and internal organs. Ultrasonic images are known as sonograms. In this process, pulses of ultrasound are sent to the tissue using a probe. The sound echoes off the tissue, where different tissues reflect sound varying in degrees. These echoes are recorded and displayed as images.

Lithotripsy
Ultrasonic waves are used to break stones in the kidney. High energy sound waves are passed through the body without injuring it and break the stone into small pieces. These small pieces move through the urinary tract and out of the body more easily than a large stone.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1 What is ultrasound?
Sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing are called ultrasound. The limit varies from person to person but is approximately 20,000 Hertz.

Q2 What are the common uses of ultrasound?
Ultrasound is used in many different fields such as navigation, medicine, imaging, cleaning, mixing, communication, testing etc.

Q3 How do some animals use ultrasound?
Bats, whales, dolphins and porpoises use ultrasound for locating prey and obstacles.

Q4 Explain the use of ultrasound in cleaning.
The process of ultrasonic cleaning is used in objects and structures with parts that are difficult to reach, such as spiral tubes and electronic components. Here, the object is dipped in a solution of suitable cleaning material and ultrasonic waves are passed into it. As a result of this, high-frequency waves are generated that cause the dirt and grease to detach from the surface.

Q5 What is the role of ultrasound in detecting cracks in metallic structures?
Ultrasound is used to detect cracks in the metallic components that are used in the construction of high-rise structures such as buildings and bridges. High-frequency sound waves reflect flaws in predictable ways, producing distinctive echo patterns that can be displayed and recorded by portable instruments.