Search Results (30)

The open and contactless environment of acoustic levitation provides a unique condition in experimenting with varying substances while levitated for observation and implementation with other devices, with recent improvements in cost and accessibility. We briefly decipher the theory behind acoustic levitation and describe currently available levitation platforms. Then, how these platforms have been employed in biological applications is reviewed. Intriguingly, recent researches indicated the viability of acoustic levitation to be utilized as a microgravity simulator. We introduce existing on-ground microgravity platforms, and discuss the potential of acoustic levitation in simulating microgravity. Acoustic levitation could be an alternative to microgravity platforms such as clinostats while allowing for novel microgravity research. On the other hand, the microgravity provided by acoustic levitation may be restricted due to potential limitations in the available levitation volume, relatively larger gravity compared to 10⁻³ g centrifugal acceleration from clinostats, and probable instability due to air perturbations and acoustic streaming. With more knowledge about in-droplet particle rotation and the regulatory factors during levitation, acoustic levitation may provide a new and advanced platform for microgravity simulation via taking advantage of its availability for real-time observation and manipulation of samples via added instrumentation while samples are levitated in a simulated microgravity condition. Full article

In this study, we examined the impact of droplet size and laser energy on droplet fragmentation and the resulting species composition due to laser irradiation of an acoustically levitated heptane droplet. Using shadowgraphy and spatially resolved laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), we observed two different fragmentation regimes for the conditions studied. The experiments demonstrated that low laser energy densities (<~70 mJ/mm³), designated as regime 1, resulted in a single plasma breakdown event accompanied by broadband emission and C₂ Swan bands, suggesting weak plasma formation. Conversely, high energy densities (>~70 mJ/mm³), designated as regime 2, resulted in multiple plasma breakdowns that resulted in the emission of H_α, O, and N, implying a full laser breakdown in the gaseous reactive mixture. Additionally, in regime 2, we calculated the electron density using Stark broadening of the H_α line and temperature using Boltzmann analysis of O lines at 715 nm and 777 nm. We found that the electron densities and temperatures within the air spark and heptane droplets are quite similar. The findings from this research could impact the design of spray ignition systems and may also aid in validating the modeling efforts of aerosols, droplet breakdown, and ignition. Full article

This study employs the transmitter part of an ultrasonic proximity sensor to generate a powerful ultrasonic field for medical humidification. This field is created using an arrangement of small ultrasonic transmitter transducers configured in an acoustic levitator-style setup. As droplets pass through this ultrasonic field, they undergo disintegration, leading to an accelerated evaporation process. The research findings highlight a significant change in droplet size distribution due to ultrasonics, resulting in a notable increase in the rate of evaporation. As a result, this study presents a conceptual framework for reimagining humidification devices for lung therapeutic purposes through the utilization of simple sensor technology. Full article

Putting small particles in levitation and in transient thermal imbalance in a gas has several advantages. This avoids chemical and thermal pollution through contact with a solid wall. The large exchange surface between the particle and the surrounding gas and the small volume can be considered as microfluidic situations with acceleration of surface transfers, rapidly isothermal particles, low-cost thermal cycling, rapidly isothermal situations and extreme temperature conditions facilitated. Several results related to thermal characterization in the case of fluidic and acoustic methods of levitation are presented. It consists of recording and comparing the transient temperature response by using an infrared thermography device to a step convective or radiative heating. Full article

Acoustic levitation can provide significant benefits for many fundamental research questions. However, it is important to consider that the acoustic field influences the measurement environment. This work focuses on the dissolution of immobilised drops using acoustic levitation in liquid–liquid systems. Previous work demonstrated that the acoustic field of standing waves impacts mass transfer by affecting the spread of dissolved substances in the continuous phase in two distinct ways: (I) solutes may either pass through nodal planes of the standing waves or (II) not pass. The binary systems examined for case (I) are 1-hexanol–water and 1-butanol–water, and for case (II), n-butyl acetate–water and toluene–water. This work quantifies the intensification effect of acoustic levitation on dissolution for the two types of behaviour, by comparing them with reference measurements of mechanically attached dissolving drops. The system was designed to ensure minimal intensification. The minimum intensification of mass transfer for levitating drops in the used setup of case (I) was 25%, and for case (II), it was 65%, both increasing with decreasing surface-equivalent diameter. With this understanding, acoustic levitation can be used more accurately in the field of mass transfer studies. Full article

An acoustofluidic trap is used for accurate 3D cell proliferation and cell function analysis in levitation. The prototype trap can be integrated with any microscope setup, allowing continuous perfusion experiments with temperature and flow control under optical inspection. To describe the trap function, we present a mathematical and FEM-based COMSOL model for the acoustic mode that defines the nodal position of trapped objects in the spherical cavity aligned with the microscope field of view and depth of field. Continuous perfusion experiments were conducted in sterile conditions over 55 h with a K562 cell line, allowing for deterministic monitoring. The acoustofluidic platform allows for rational in vitro cell testing imitating in vivo conditions such as cell function tests or cell–cell interactions. Full article

Examining fuel droplet evaporation is crucial for enhancing fuel engine efficiency, conserving energy, and reducing emissions. This study utilizes experimental methods involving ultrasonic standing wave levitation and high-speed cameras to investigate the impact of temperatures and droplet properties, including initial diameter and composition, on the evaporation process. The evaporation behaviors of fuel droplets, like hexadecane and diesel, are documented across a temperature spectrum spanning 150 °C to 550 °C, with an initial droplet equivalent diameter ranging from 0.10 to 0.30 mm. The evaporation rate positively correlates with temperature and may vary by 15% to 71% between hexadecane and diesel droplets. Full article

In this study, crystallization in highly supersaturated aqueous urea solutions was investigated using in situ infrared thermography facilitated by an acoustic levitation apparatus. A notable contribution of this thermographic approach is the identification of a transient heat release signature, particularly pronounced beyond the solubility limit, indicating the enhanced formation of bonds between urea molecules in the supersaturated states. Surprisingly, the temporal evolution of the heat release measurements on an acoustically levitated droplet strongly suggests a two-stage process for urea crystallization. A comprehensive statistical analysis based on classical nucleation theory is used to further investigate the exceptionally high degree of supersaturation and the emergence of prominent heat signatures observed toward the onset of crystallization. Full article

A low-impact acoustic levitation system has been developed to study immobilised single drops in liquid–liquid systems. The ability to observe liquid drops several millimetres in diameter for days enables fundamental research into a wide range of mechanisms. Non-invasive optical measurements with excellent optical accessibility are possible. This experimental work provides the basis for mass transfer studies, emphasizing the precise volume determination, signal noise, reproducibility, and the impact of the acoustic field on the drop and its surrounding environment. The setup can be effectively controlled and proves beneficial for research objectives provided that all liquid phases are entirely degassed, and there are no compressible voids present within the liquids. In addition to the precise, uniform, and reliable measurement conditions, we observed no acoustic streaming in the proximity of the drop and there was no significant vibration of the drop. Qualitative observations using rainbow schlieren deflectometry indicate that the nodal or anti-nodal planes of the standing waves can act as barriers to the dispersion of inhomogeneous dissolved substances in the continuous phase. Full article

The presented study shows the results of the research into the squeeze film levitation phenomena. The system introduced in the investigation is composed of a vibrating surface, air squeeze film, and the surface of the body freely suspended over the film. The use of the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) model used in the system allows us to determine the steady state, periodic behavior of the air film (described by Navier–Stokes, continuity equations, and ideal gas law), and the lifted object dynamics. The model allows us to determine multiple factors, among others, mean film thickness and pressure distribution inside the fluid film. The influence of factors, such as vibration amplitude, frequency, and load on the lifting conditions, was presented. A series of calculations show the levitations height in the range of 5.61 up to 58.12 microns, obtained for masses of samples between 5–20 g, vibration frequency of 5–25 kHz, and the motions amplitude of 0.5–1.5 µm. A series of CFD multivariable calculations for a standing wave inducer were not previously published. The CFD model was validated with the use of experiments on a specially developed test rig. The authors experimentally obtained the height of levitation up to 200 microns. Full article

In order to realize direct manufacturing of cavity inside metal without assembly, this paper investigates the mechanism of cavity manufacturing inside metals under compound acoustic fields. First, a local acoustic cavitations model is established to study the single bubble generation at fixed point in Ga-In metal droplets, which has a low melting point. Second, cavitation-levitation acoustic composite fields are integrated with the experimental system for simulation and experimentation. Through COMSOL simulation and experimentation, this paper expounds the manufacturing mechanism of metal internal cavity under acoustic composite fields. The key problem is to control the duration of the cavitation bubble by controlling the driving acoustic pressure’s frequency and the magnitude of ambient acoustic pressure. Under the condition of composite acoustic fields, this method realizes the direct fabrication of cavity inside Ga-In alloy for the first time. Full article

In this work, we study the light-induced changes of the rotational speed of a thin photomobile film using a single-axis acoustic levitator operating at 40 kHz. In our experiments, a 50 μm thick photomobile polymer film (PMP) is placed in one of the nodes of a stationary acoustic field. Under the action of the field, the film remains suspended in air. By externally perturbing this stable equilibrium condition, the film begins to rotate with its natural frequency. The rotations are detected in real time by monitoring the light of a low power He–Ne laser impinging on and reflected by the film itself. During the rotational motion, an external laser source is used to illuminate the PMP film; as a consequence, the film bends and the rotational speed changes by about 20 Hz. This kind of contactless long-distance interaction is an ideal platform for the development and study of many electro-optics devices in microgravity and low-friction conditions. In particular, we believe that this technology could find applications in research fields such as 3D dynamic displays and aerospace applications. Full article

Gravity plays an important role in the development of life on earth. The effect of gravity on living organisms can be investigated by controlling the magnitude of gravity. Most reduced gravity experiments are conducted on the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) in the International Space Station (ISS). However, running experiments in ISS face challenges such as high cost, extreme condition, lack of direct accessibility, and long waiting period. Therefore, researchers have developed various ground-based devices and methods to perform reduced gravity experiments. However, the advantage of space conditions for developing new drugs, vaccines, and chemical applications requires more attention and new research. Advancements in conventional methods and the development of new methods are necessary to fulfil these demands. The advantages of Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) devices make them an attractive option for simulating microgravity. This paper briefly reviews the advancement of LOC technologies for simulating microgravity in an earth-based laboratory. Full article

Controlled buckling of colloidal droplets via acoustic levitation plays an important role in pharmaceutical, coating, and material self-assembly. In this study, the evaporation process of PTFE colloidal droplets with two particle concentrations (60 wt% and 20 wt%) was investigated under acoustic levitation. We report the occurrence of surface invagination caused by evaporation. For the high particle concentration droplet, the upper surface was invaginated, eventually forming a bowl-shaped structure. While for the low particle concentration droplet, both the upper and lower surfaces of the droplet were invaginated, resulting in a doughnut-like structure. For the acoustically levitated oblate spherical droplet, the dispersant loss at the equatorial area of the droplet is greater than that at the two poles. Therefore, the thickness of the solid shell on the surface of the droplet was not uniform, resulting in invagination at the weaker pole area. Moreover, once the droplet surface was buckling, the hollow cavity on the droplet surface would absorb the sound energy and results in strong positive acoustic radiation pressure at bottom of the invagination, thus further prompting the invagination process. Full article

This study aimed to improve and investigate the oscillation dynamics and levitation stability of acoustically levitated water droplets. Contactless sample manipulation technology in mid-air has attracted significant attention in the fields of biochemistry and pharmaceutical science. Although one promising method is acoustic levitation, most studies have focused on a single sample. Therefore, it is important to determine the stability of multiple samples during acoustic levitation. Here, we aim to understand the effect of multiple-sample levitation on levitation stability in acoustic fields. We visualized the oscillatory motion of multiple levitated droplets using a high-speed video camera. To characterize the dynamics of multiple levitating droplets, the oscillation frequency and restoring force coefficients of the levitated samples, which were obtained from the experimental data, were analyzed to quantify the droplet–droplet interaction. The oscillation model of the spring-mass system was compared with the experimental results, and we found that the number of levitating droplets and their position played an important role in the levitation stability of the droplets. Our insights could help us understand the oscillatory behavior of levitated droplets to achieve more stable levitation. Full article