A NONLINEAR PLANE-WAVE ALGORITHM FOR DIFFRACTIVE PROPAGATION INVOLVING SHOCKWAVES

A new algorithm for nonlinear plane-wave propagation is presented. The algorithm uses a novel time domain representation to account for nonlinearity, while accounting for absorption in the frequency domain. The new algorithm allows for accurate representations of diffractive shockwave propagation in the framework of an existing nonlinear beam propagation model using far fewer harmonics (and thus time) than alternative algorithms based on a frequency domain solution to Burgers' equation. The new algorithm is tested against the frequency domain solution to Burgers' equation in a variety of cases and then used to model a focused ultrasonic piston transducer operating at very high source intensities.