SIMULATION SUCCESS STORIES

Argonne National Laboratory Simulates an Acoustic Levitator

Healthcare

K. Suthar, C. Benmore
Argonne, IL, USA

As part of an industry that saves lives on a regular basis, pharmaceutical companies are in need of systems that can be used to deliver high-quality medicines. One method utilizes sound waves generated by an acoustic levitator with foam-coated transducers. Using the acoustic force from the sound waves, chemical particles are suspended between the transducers, where they can be mixed in a contaminant-free space.

Using COMSOL Multiphysics, Kamlesh Suthar and Chris Benmore of Argonne National Laboratory have simulated an acoustic levitator in order to find the best geometry for controlling how liquid droplets form between the transducers. They also investigated the changes in viscosity and surface tension and the effects that such parameters have on the droplet shapes. Studying the fluid-structure interaction (FSI), Suthar explored the sound pressure levels, material properties, and geometry options for the levitator. Simulating the acoustic levitator helped them to hone their design and achieve a new degree of control over the interactions between droplets, which will ultimately contribute to life-saving advancements for pharmaceuticals.

  •  /
1
Loading PDF...

Suggested Stories

Bringing Glucose Monitoring to New Levels Through Integrated Sensor Design

Bringing Glucose Monitoring to New Levels Through Integrated Sensor Design

The test strips in glucose monitors, widely used by people with diabetes to maintain good health, are sensitive to ...

Gaining Insight into Piezoelectric Materials for Acoustic Streaming

Gaining Insight into Piezoelectric Materials for Acoustic Streaming

Many sensors, such as flow sensors and those used in medical diagnostics, rely on microfluidic devices. However, ...

Elevating the Performance of Ionization Gauges with Simulation

Elevating the Performance of Ionization Gauges with Simulation

Semiconductor manufacturing and particle physics research depend on high-vacuum or ultra-high-vacuum (HV/UHV) ...

Continuous Casting: Optimizing Both Machine and Process with Simulation

Continuous Casting: Optimizing Both Machine and Process with Simulation

The process of continuous casting has transformed steel production, saving valuable resources while improving steel ...