Abstract:

Several modeling systems exist to aid in the design and engineering of electroacoustic transducers. Finite element analysis (FEA) can be used to model magnetic circuits, electromagnetic circuits, thermal transfer capacity, mechanical and dynamic properties of structural parts, vibrational modes of diaphragms and other moving parts, piezoelectrics, acoustic impedance, and acoustic radiation. Several computer programs are available to model electroacoustic systems and components via lumped parameter methods derived from electrical-mechanical and electrical-acoustical analogies. Lastly, general purpose mathematics programs and spreadsheets can be used for a wide variety of problems. The capabilities and limitations of these modeling techniques are discussed using real world examples.