Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/47472

Title

The impulsive generation of drops at a fluid-fluid interface

Author(s)

Phillips, William R. C.;  Tjan, Kuan-Khoon

Abstract

We consider theoretically the evolution of a fluid-fluid interface set into motion by intense localized pressures caused by focused ultrasound. Depending upon the levels of gravity and surface tension, the interface is found to form either axisymmetric waves or to expel droplets which may be spherical, tear shaped or pancake like. Phase diagrams of Weber number versus Froude number and Atwood number are presented. The pinch off process which effect drops is in all cases of the power law type with exponent 2/3 and is realized as a singularity in finite time. The study was motivated by the occurrence of lung hemorrhage during ultrasonic imaging and seeks a non-thermal, non-cavitational explanation for it. Specifically, it pursues the notion that bursts of ultrasound act to expel droplets that puncture the soft air-filled sacs in the lung plural surface allowing them to fill with blood.

Publication type

Conference paper

Research centre

Swinburne University of Technology

Source

CD-ROM Proceedings of the XXII International Congress on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (ICTAM 2008), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, 25-29 August 2008

Publication year

2008

FOR Code(s)

010202 Biological Mathematics;  010207 Theoretical and Applied Mechanics;  010302 Numerical Solution of Differential and Integral Equations

Publisher

International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics

ISBN

9780980514216

Publisher URL

http://ictam2008.adelaide.edu.au

Copyright

Copyright © 2008 International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics.

Peer reviewed