Design of a “binaural” hydroacoustic transducer

Purpose This study aims to design a piezoelectric sensor with high performance transmitting and receiving functions, which is characterized by simple structure and multifunctionality. Design/methodology/approach In accordance with the binaural principle, a binaural-sensitive element is constructed with the middle module transmitting the signal and the left and right modules receiving the signal. The traditional 1-3-2 piezoelectric composite material is selected for the sensitive element of the transmitting module, while the improved 1-3-2 piezoelectric composite material is selected for the sensitive element of the receiving module. The impact of varying the thickness of the transmitting module on its resonance frequency and the influence of varying the thickness of the receiving module on its anti-resonance frequency were investigated through simulations conducted using ANSYS finite element software. This was done to ascertain the optimal thickness dimensions and operating frequencies for the binaural sensitive elements. Findings At last, binaural transducers were constructed and subjected to experimental evaluation within an anechoic chamber. The experimental results demonstrate that the operating frequency of both the transmitting and receiving modules is 150 kHz, the transmitting voltage response is 160 dB, and the receiving sensitivity of the “left ear” is −192 dB, and the receiving sensitivity of the “right ear” is −190 dB. The objective of achieving high-performance transmitting and receiving within the same frequency range has been met. Originality/value A binaural sensitive element is proposed to realize high-performance transmission and reception in the same frequency range.