Study on sound field distribution and attenuation characteristics in unclassified tailings slurry under ultrasonic energy concentrator

Abstract

This study investigates the acoustic field distribution and attenuation characteristics of ultrasonic waves in unclassified tailings slurry under an ultrasonic energy concentrator, aiming to establish an acoustics-based theoretical foundation for ultrasonic-assisted tailings thickening and settling in cemented backfill mining. Experimental tests were conducted to examine the effects of ultrasonic power (100 W, 200 W, 400 W) and slurry concentration (30%, 35%, 40%) on sound pressure and intensity. A COMSOL Multiphysics model was developed for acoustic-piezoelectric-structural coupling simulation, validated by resonant frequency analysis and horn geometry comparison, and used to optimize the concentrator’s insertion depth. Key findings include: The “high sound pressure zone” length in slurry increases with ultrasonic power but shortens with rising concentration (2.5 cm at 30% vs. 1.3 cm at 40%). The COMSOL simulation indicates that the 20 kHz resonant frequency yields the maximum sound pressure amplitude of 1.85 × 10⁶ Pa in the slurry domain, and the inverted-conical horn amplifies ultrasonic energy more effectively. An insertion depth of 10 mm is optimal, achieving a maximum sound pressure of 1.18 × 10⁵ Pa. Ultrasonic attenuation is greater in slurry than in clear water due to particle relative motion and scattering. This work provides quantitative guidance for ultrasonic applications in tailings treatment.

Keywords

unclassified tailings slurry / ultrasonic energy concentrator / sound field distribution / numerical simulation / attenuation characteristics / COMSOL Multiphysics

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