Experimental Validation of Computational Models for Large-Scale Nonlinear Ultrasound Simulations in Heterogeneous, Absorbing Fluid Media

To increase the effectiveness of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatments, prediction of ultrasound propagation in biological tissues is essential, particularly where bones are present in the field. This requires complex full-wave computational models which account for nonlinearity, absorption, and heterogeneity. These models must be properly validated but there is a lack of analytical solutions which apply in these conditions. Experimental validation of the models is therefore essential. However, accurate measurement of HIFU fields is not trivial. Our aim is to establish rigorous methods for obtaining reference data sets with which to validate tissue realistic simulations of ultrasound propagation. Here, we present preliminary measurements which form an initial validation of simulations performed using the k-Wave MATLAB toolbox. Acoustic pressure was measured on a plane in the field of a focused ultrasound transducer in free field conditions to be used as a Dirichlet boundary condition for simulations. Rectangular and wedge shaped olive oil scatterers were placed in the field and further pressure measurements were made in the far field for comparison with simulations. Good qualitative agreement was observed between the measured and simulated nonlinear pressure fields.