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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
08:19
Induction of Microstreaming by Nonspherical Bubble Oscillations in an Acoustic Levitation System
Published on: May 9, 2021
Dynamics of dissolved gas in a cavitating fluid
Igor V Mastikhin1, Benedict Newling
1UNB MRI Centre, Department of Physics, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada. mast@UNB.ca
Summary
This study reveals that dissolved gas and liquid molecules move differently during acoustic cavitation. Bubbles can refresh content quickly, with microbubbles acting as nucleation sites.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Acoustics
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Acoustic cavitation in liquids generates bubbles through the separation of dissolved gases.
- Bubble dynamics involve gas and vapor exchange through bubble walls with the surrounding liquid.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cavitation not as discrete bubble evolution, but as molecular dynamics of bubbles and fluid.
- To directly measure the independent motions of dissolved gas and liquid during acoustic cavitation.
Main Methods:
- Direct, independent measurement of liquid (water) and dissolved gas (freon-22, CHClF2) motion.
- Analysis of the effects of filtration and prior cavitation on solvent behavior.
Main Results:
- Dissolved gas and liquid molecules exhibit distinct motions during acoustic cavitation.
- Molecular motion is significantly influenced by solvent filtration or previous cavitation.
- Bubble contents can be refreshed within two acoustic cycles; long-lived microbubbles serve as nucleation sites.
Conclusions:
- Cavitation involves complex molecular dynamics, not just discrete bubble events.
- Microbubble nucleation is a key aspect of acoustic cavitation.
- This molecular dynamics approach complements traditional optical and acoustical cavitation studies.
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