Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Induction of Microstreaming by Nonspherical Bubble Oscillations in an Acoustic Levitation System
Published on: May 9, 2021
Modeling and experimental study on near-field acoustic levitation by flexural mode
Pinkuan Liu1, Jin Li, Han Ding
1School of Mechanical Engineering,, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. pkliu@stju.edu.cn
Abstract:
Near-field acoustic levitation (NFAL) has been used in noncontact handling and transportation of small objects to avoid contamination. We have performed a theoretical analysis based on nonuniform vibrating surface to quantify the levitation force produced by the air film and also conducted experimental tests to verify our model. Modal analysis was performed using ANSYS on the flexural plate radiator to obtain its natural frequency of desired mode, which is used to design the measurement system. Then, the levitation force was calculated as a function of levitation distance based on squeeze gas film theory using measured amplitude and phase distributions on the vibrator surface. Compared with previous fluid-structural analyses using a uniform piston motion, our model based on the nonuniform radiating surface of the vibrator is more realistic and fits better with experimentally measured levitation force.
Related Concept Videos
Standing Waves in a Cavity
Flexural Stress
Hooke's Law states that within the material's elastic limits, stress is directly proportional to strain. In a member experiencing a bending moment, the strain at any point is relative to its distance...
Modes of Standing Waves: II
For a tube open at one end and closed at the other filled with air, the modes are such that there is always an antinode at the open end and a node at the closed end.
Modes of Standing Waves - I
Bending and Torsional Moments
The reaction developed in a structural element when subjected to an external force causes the element to bend. When a structural element bends upwards, it creates compressive normal forces on the top and tensile normal forces on the bottom, resulting in a couple that determines the bending...
Sound Waves: Resonance

