Acoustic method for obtaining the pressure reflection coefficient using a half-wave layer

This paper describes a method for obtaining the pressure reflection coefficient by using a half-wave layer. Two transducers were placed in reference liquid and test liquid respectively. The reference and test liquid were separated by the thin half-wave layer. Both transducers could operate in two modes. One acted as a transmitter and worked in pulse-echo mode, and the other operated in receiver mode. By adjusting the frequency of drive signal according to the thickness and material property of the half-wave layer, it was possible to generate the maximum interference signal of multiple waves reflected at the two interfaces of the layer. Therefore, the amplitude of reflection wave in steady-state depended only on the reflection coefficient at the interface between the half-wave layer and the test liquid. The effects of the signal-to-noise-ratio and the half-wave layer attenuation on the uncertainty characteristics of the pressure reflection coefficient were discussed. The experimental results showed high accuracy for measurement of reflection coefficient.

Research Highlights
► A measurement of steady-state amplitude of echo signals to obtain the reflection coefficient.
► Reflection and transmission waves generate interference and reach a steady state respectively.
► The uncertainty characteristics of the reflection coefficient.