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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Induction of Microstreaming by Nonspherical Bubble Oscillations in an Acoustic Levitation System
Published on: May 9, 2021
Strongly interacting bubbles under an ultrasonic horn
Kyuichi Yasui1, Yasuo Iida, Toru Tuziuti
1National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 2266-98 Anagahora, Shimoshidami, Moriyama-ku, Nagoya 463-8560, Japan. k.yasui@aist.go.jp
Bubble-bubble interactions significantly impact ultrasonic cavitation dynamics. Simulations show these interactions reduce bubble expansion and alter bubble movement, affecting acoustic wave propagation.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Computational Physics
Background:
- Understanding bubble dynamics under ultrasound is crucial for various applications.
- Experimental observations show complex bubble motion near ultrasonic horns.
- The influence of bubble-bubble interactions on these phenomena requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically simulate bubble pulsations in a two-bubble cloud system.
- To investigate the experimentally observed bubble motion under an ultrasonic horn.
- To elucidate the role of bubble-bubble interactions in ultrasonic cavitation.
Main Methods:
- Performed numerical simulations of bubble pulsations.
- Utilized high-speed video camera data for experimental comparison.
- Analyzed the secondary Bjerknes force and acoustic radiation resistance.
Main Results:
- Bubble pulsation is strongly influenced by interactions with surrounding bubbles.
- Bubble expansion during ultrasound's rarefaction phase is significantly reduced by bubble-bubble interaction.
- Acoustic amplitude in the liquid is substantially reduced by cavitation due to decreased acoustic radiation resistance.
Conclusions:
- Bubble-bubble interactions are a critical factor in ultrasonic cavitation.
- These interactions modify bubble dynamics, including expansion and movement towards the ultrasonic horn.
- Cavitation significantly attenuates acoustic waves by reducing acoustic radiation resistance.
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