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Parametric study of an acoustic levitation systemThe performance of an acoustic levitation system designed for the containerless processing of materials and consisting of a St. Clair generator and a reflector arranged in a six-axis configuration, is examined in order to define critical parameters of high-temperature systems and limitations of earth-based devices. The fields and forces along the axis of the system are measured and the forces are plotted versus body volume. It is found that for a range of shapes and sizes the levitation force is roughly proportional to body volume until the characteristic 'diameter' reaches a value of about lambda/2. A significant (i.e., factor of four) enhancement in the levitation force is obtained by curving the faces of the driver and reflector. In addition, the behavior of liquid materials in the acoustic fields is studied, and the radius at which the deformation of a levitated drop occurs is calculated.
Document ID
19800050379
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Oran, W. A.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Berge, L. H.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Parker, H. W.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Space Sciences Laboratory, Huntsville, Ala., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: Review of Scientific Instruments
Volume: 51
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Accession Number
80A34549
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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