24.1.5 Attenuation of Ultrasound

Definition: Attenuation

• Reduction of energy due to the absorption of ultrasound as it travels through a medium.

Math

The intensity $I$ of ultrasound decreases with distance $x$, according to the equation: $I=I_0{e}^{-\mu x}$

Where:

• $I$=Intensity of incident beam (${\text{W m}}^{-2}$)
• $I$=Intensity of the reflected beam (${\text{W m}}^{-2}$)
• $\mu$=Absorption coefficient (${\text{m}}^{-1}$)
• $x$=Distance travelled through the material ($\text{m}$)