New higher-order finite elements of enhanced convergence properties for acoustic wave simulation are presented in the paper. The element matrices are obtained by combining modal synthesis and optimization techniques in order to achieve minimum errors of higher modes of the computational domain. As a result, simulation models of propagating wave pulses require a smaller number of finite element divisions per wavelength compared to the conventional element model thus significantly reducing computational costs. Though finite element matrices are obtained in optimization, the resulting patterns of the matrices are versatile and further can be used in any wave propagation model. The mass matrices of the elements are diagonal, so explicit time integration schemes are applicable. The usage of new elements is especially efficient in situations where wavelengths of the simulated signal are much shorter than the dimensions of the computational domain. This is referred to as short wave propagation analysis. The results of wave propagation simulation for ultrasonic measurements are presented as application examples. The B-scans and computed dispersion curves are provided for visual interpretation of the results.