Finite-difference and finite-volume methods for nonlinear standing ultrasonic waves in fluid media

In the framework of the application of high-power ultrasonics in industrial processing in fluid media, the mathematical prediction of the acoustical parameters inside resonators should improve the development of practical systems. This can be achieved by the use of numerical tools able to treat the nonlinear acoustics involved in these phenomena. In particular, effects like nonlinear distortion and nonlinear attenuation are fundamental in applications. In this paper, three one-dimensional numerical models in the time domain for calculating the nonlinear acoustic field inside a one-dimensional resonant cavity are presented and compared. They are based on the finite-difference and the finite-volume methods. These different algorithms solve the differential equations, from the linear up to the strongly nonlinear case (including weak shock). Some physical results obtained from the modelling of ultrasonic waves and a comparison of the efficiency of the different algorithms are presented. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.