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MHz Ultrasound Induced Roughness of Fluid Interfaces
Rym Boubekri1,2, Michel Gross1, Martin In1
1Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (L2C), UMR 5221 CNRS-Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier F-34095, France.
Ultrasound significantly enhances nanoscale surface roughness of liquid interfaces, increasing the contact area between fluids. This finding has implications for improving interface-driven processes like heat and mass transfer.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Fluid interfaces exhibit nanoscale roughness due to capillary waves.
- This roughness influences interfacial transport phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ultrasound on liquid-gas and liquid-liquid interface roughness.
- To quantify the changes in surface fluctuations induced by ultrasound.
Main Methods:
- Application of megahertz frequency ultrasound normal to the interface.
- Measurement of surface fluctuation amplitudes using light reflectivity and ellipsometry.
- Controlled ultrasonic pressures below 0.6 MPa.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound dramatically enhances surface roughness.
- Roughness increases approximately linearly with ultrasonic intensity.
- Observed vertical displacements of the interface reach 50-100 nm.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound can significantly increase the effective contact area between two fluids.
- Enhanced interfacial area due to ultrasound can improve interface-based processes.
- Potential applications in enhancing mass and heat transfer across interfaces.
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