Effect of geometric parameters on drop-positioning forces for a levitated drop reactor
A boundary-element method (BEM) is used to compute axisymmetric acoustic fields in the gap between the radiating plate and reflector of a single-axis acoustic drop levitator, in order to better understand the dependence of levitation capability on geometric parameters. Modifications to the drop levitator radiating plate are investigated using the BEM. Gor’kov’s theory is used to calculate the acoustic forces acting on a drop in the levitation field. The levitation capability of a modified geometry is compared to that of a current experimental geometry. Indenting, and increasing the area of the radiating plate significantly enhances levitation capability.
Boundary element method, Geometry, Radiation, Vibrations (mechanical) Acoustic levitation, Acoustic radiation, Levitation force, Acoustics, drop positioning force
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign