A magnetostrictive transducer analysis for the investigation of potential system enhancements

Bartlett, Paul Andrew 2009. A magnetostrictive transducer analysis for the investigation of potential system enhancements. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.

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Abstract

Magnetostrictive transducers have been used for many years by dentists for the removal of deposits on teeth that contribute to tooth decay. A study of current commercial magnetostrictive scalers has been undertaken so that potentially beneficial modifications to the present designs could be identified and investigated. This has resulted in suggestions for upgrades to the drive coil design and changes to the frequency of the applied dynamic magnetic field (which produces magnetostriction) that could improve system performance. In addition, a 'capacitance compensation system' has been produced and tested that significantly reduces the power requirements for current and future dental scalers by compensating for dynamic losses in a resonant transducer. Magnetostrictive materials are identified as replacement for those currently used in dental scalers. It is demonstrated that although they possess some of the qualities that could offer advantages for new types of dental scalers, they are unable to produce satisfactory results when compared to extant nickel-based systems if based on current device geometries. Finite element modelling has been used to investigate the mode-shapes associated with resonant magnetostrictive dental scaler components. The modelling indicates that flexural modes can be generated and the resultant flexing of 'tips' are equivalent to those measured in real devices. In addition, it is shown that coupled longitudinal-flexural resonant modes must be stimulated to produce the required tip vibrations for dental scaling. Suggestions are also made for future work that includes the development of more advanced finite element models, improved dental scaler designs and new transducer measurement techniques.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Engineering
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
ISBN:	9781303214646
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	09 Jan 2018 20:41
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/54847

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