A numerical formulation for nonlinear ultrasonic waves propagation in fluids.

A finite-difference algorithm is developed for analysing the nonlinear propagation of pulsed and harmonic ultrasonic waves in fluid media. The time domain model allows simulations from linear to strongly nonlinear plane waves including weak shock. Effects of absorption are included. All the harmonic components are obtained from only one solving process. The evolution of any original signal can be analysed. The nonlinear solution is obtained by the implicit scheme via a fast linear solver. The numerical model is validated by comparison to analytical data. Numerical experiments are presented and commented. The effect of the initial pulse shape on the evolution of the pressure waveform is especially analysed.