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Updated: May 24, 2026

Induction of Microstreaming by Nonspherical Bubble Oscillations in an Acoustic Levitation System
Published on: May 9, 2021
Demonstration comparing sound wave attenuation inside pipes containing bubbly water and water droplet fog
Timothy G Leighton1, Jian Jiang, Kyungmin Baik
1Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom. tgl@soton.ac.uk
Abstract:
This paper describes a demonstration and explanation of sound absorption in water due to bubbles, and in air due to a fog of water droplets. It is suitable for 10-12 year olds, but the paper indicates where further exploration of the simplifications in the explanations provided for that age range would allow the demonstration to be used for undergraduate and Masters-level teaching. Applications to submarines, the space shuttle, and neutron generators are described. The demonstration is designed for transportation in a family-sized car.
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