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Updated: Feb 19, 2026

Induction of Microstreaming by Nonspherical Bubble Oscillations in an Acoustic Levitation System
Published on: May 9, 2021
Bubble propagation on a rail: a concept for sorting bubbles by size.
Andrés Franco-Gómez1, Alice B Thompson, Andrew L Hazel
1Manchester Centre for Nonlinear Dynamics & School of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. anne.juel@manchester.ac.uk.
Researchers developed a passive fluidic sorting device using a simple rail in a channel. This device separates air bubbles in silicone oil based on size, offering a new method for two-phase flow control.
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Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Microfluidics
- Two-phase flow
Background:
- Two-phase fluid flows are common in industrial processes.
- Efficient separation of components in multiphase flows is crucial.
- Passive sorting devices offer simple and robust solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of a rail as a passive sorting device for air bubbles in silicone oil.
- To understand the bubble size-dependent segregation mechanism.
- To develop a theoretical model for the observed phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Experimental demonstration of bubble transport in a channel with a rail.
- Varying flow rates and rail dimensions to observe bubble behavior.
- Theoretical analysis using a depth-averaged fluid dynamics model.
Main Results:
- A rail effectively sorts air bubbles by size in a two-phase flow.
- A critical flow rate determines the onset of size-dependent segregation.
- Bubble size selection is tunable by adjusting rail width and flow rate.
Conclusions:
- The rail acts as a robust passive sorting device for two-phase flows.
- The sorting mechanism involves a dynamic interplay of capillary and viscous forces.
- The developed theory qualitatively matches experimental observations.