Ultrasonic levitation droplet simulation device for multidisciplinary applications

Sound waves, as classical mechanical waves, apply acoustic radiation force on objects when interacting with their surfaces. Acoustic levitation technology uses one or more transducers to generate ultrasonic waves, forming a standing wave field that can suspend objects within a defined space. Leveraging its horizontal stability and versatility regarding suspended materials, this technology shows great promise in various applications, notably in non-container processing like biomedicine and material science. Innovatively applying acoustic levitation to aircraft icing research, our project aims beyond fixed-point water droplet levitation to achieve controlled trajectory movement through focused acoustic fields. We have developed theories on acoustic field focusing and conducted simulations on spherical and planar levitation arrays. Simulation results show that manipulating phase differences can control object movement along the sphere's central axis or enable three-dimensional motion in planar setups. Practical designs for both array types have been realized using microcontroller and FPGA-based signal generation and amplification. Our findings suggest that acoustic levitation could revolutionize icing studies by providing precise control over droplet dynamics, potentially leading to advancements in anti-icing technologies. The successful implementation of these novel levitation devices underscores the potential for expanding applications into new research and industrial domains.