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Published on: May 9, 2021
Bubble rising dynamics in a transverse ultrasonic standing wave field: Role of acoustic-induced viscous dissipation
Zeyang Xu1, Yuao Chai2, Liqiang Ma1
1School of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology, Beijing, Ding No. 11, Xueyuan Road of Haidian district, Haidian, 100083, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
The dynamics of rising bubbles in water under a transversely oriented ultrasonic standing wave field was experimentally investigated. The acoustic field distribution was characterized using scanning focused laser differential interferometry (SFLDI). The bubbles' trajectories were captured by high-speed imaging, from which velocities and accelerations were calculated. High-magnification particle image velocimetry (PIV) was employed to examine the surrounding flow field in detail. Results showed that bubbles in the presence of ultrasound (BPU) exhibited a 25%-56% velocity reduction compared to bubbles in the absence of ultrasound (BAU). Released from the tank bottom, BPU were immediately drawn by the transverse Bjerknes force and ascended along the nodal region of the standing waves. As BPU accelerated, they experienced a significant quasi-periodical deceleration-acceleration motion. PIV analysis revealed that this phenomenon was strongly correlated with increased boundary layer shear and enhanced vortex shedding, resulting in severe viscous dissipation induced by the acoustic field. These findings provided new insights for bubble manipulation in ultrasonic-assisted chemical engineering, mineral processing, and biomedical applications.
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