Abstract: The present invention relates a power ultrasound device for fluids processing. An ultrasonic resonator comprises: an exciter section having a longitudinal axis and dimensioned to be resonant in a direction along the longitudinal axis when the exciter section is energized with high frequency vibrations; and a radiator section having a connection stub and coupled to the exciter section through the connection stub, wherein the radiator section is configured to receive the vibrations from the exciter section and transmit the vibrations as acoustic waves, wherein an axial length of the exciter section is less than a half-wavelength, wherein the connection stub completes the half-wavelength when coupled to the excited section to allow the ultrasonic resonator operate in resonance at design frequency.

Abstract: The present invention relates a power ultrasound device for fluids processing. An ultrasonic resonator comprises: an exciter section having a longitudinal axis and dimensioned to be resonant in a direction along the longitudinal axis when the exciter section is energized with high frequency vibrations; and a radiator section having a connection stub and coupled to the exciter section through the connection stub, wherein the radiator section is configured to receive the vibrations from the exciter section and transmit the vibrations as acoustic waves, wherein an axial length of the exciter section is less than a half-wavelength, wherein the connection stub completes the half-wavelength when coupled to the excited section to allow the ultrasonic resonator operate in resonance at design frequency.

Abstract: A joint is produced in at least two overlapping workpieces using a joining tool including a punch reciprocally disposed in a cylinder. The workpieces are disposed between the tool and a die. The tool applies a compressive force to deform the workpieces into a joint at a joining area between the tool and die. Continuous ultrasonic energy is applied to at least one of the workpieces in the joining area for at least part of the time during production of the joint to increase the ductility of at least one of the workpieces in the joining area. This induces an acousto-plastic effect in the material being formed which temporarily reduces its strength so as to exhibit increased ductility. The joining method may be used in self-piercing riveting and clinching techniques and enables viable joints to be formed in high strength materials or thick sheets of material.

Abstract: A joint is produced in at least two overlapping workpieces (W1, W2) using a joining tool comprising a punch (16) reciprocally disposed in a cylinder. The workpieces (W1, W2) are disposed between the tool and a die (12) and the tool is used to apply a compressive force to deform the workpieces into a joint at a joining area between the tool and the die. Continuous ultra-sonic energy (A) is applied to at least one of the workpieces in the joining area for at least part of the time during production of the joint so as to increase the ductility of at least one of the workpieces in the joining area. This induces an acousto-plastic effect in the material being formed which temporarily reduces its strength so as to exhibit increased ductility. The joining method is used in self-piercing riveting and enables viable joints to be formed in high strength materials or thick sheets of material.