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Characterization of vibration and acoustic noise in a gradient-coil insert

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Abstract

High-speed switching of current in gradient coils within high magnetic field strength magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners results in high acoustic sound pressure levels (SPL) in and around these machines. To characterize the vibration properties as well as the acoustic noise properties of the gradient coil, a finite-element (FE) model was developed using the dimensional design specifications of an available gradient-coil insert and the concentration of the copper windings in the coil. This FE model was then validated using experimentally collected vibration data. A computational acoustic noise model was then developed based on the validated FE model. The validation of the finite-element analysis results was done using experimental modal testing of the same gradient coil in a free-free state (no boundary constraints). Based on the validated FE model, boundary conditions (supports) were added to the model to simulate the operating condition when the gradient-coil insert is in place in an MRI machine. Vibration analysis results from the FE model were again validated through experimental vibration testing with the gradient-coil insert installed in the MRI scanner and excited using swept sinusoidal time waveforms. The simulation results from the computational acoustic noise model were also validated through experimental noise measurement from the gradient-coil insert in the MRI scanner using swept sinusoidal time waveform inputs. Comparisons show that the FE model predicts the vibration properties and the computational acoustic noise model predicts the noise characteristic properties extremely accurately.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to offer special thanks to Andrew Alejski and Carl Gazdzinski at the Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada for their kind help in providing the structural dimensions of the gradient-coil insert and setting up the vibration and noise measurement experiments. This work was funded through an NSERC-CIHR Collaborative Health Research Project grant (227285–9 CHRPJ) and an Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Queen’s University, McLaughlin Hall, Kingston, ON, Canada, K7L 3N6

    G. Z. Yao & C. K. Mechefske

  2. Imaging Research Laboratories, John P. Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada, N6A 5K8

    B. K. Rutt

Authors
  1. G. Z. Yao
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  2. C. K. Mechefske
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  3. B. K. Rutt
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Correspondence to C. K. Mechefske.

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Yao, G., Mechefske, C. & Rutt, B. Characterization of vibration and acoustic noise in a gradient-coil insert. MAGMA 17, 12–27 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10334-004-0041-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10334-004-0041-0

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