Minimal model for acoustic forces on Brownian particles

Abstract

We present a generalization of inertial coupling (IC), which permits the resolution of radiation forces on small particles with arbitrary acoustic contrast factor. The IC method is based on a Eulerian-Lagrangian approach: particles move in continuum space while the fluid equations are solved in a regular mesh (here we use the finite volume method). Thermal fluctuations in the fluid stress, important below the micron scale, are also taken into account following the Landau-Lifshitz fluid description. Each particle is described by a minimal cost resolution which consists of a single small kernel (bell-shaped function) concomitant to the particle. The main role of the particle kernel is to interpolate fluid properties and spread particle forces. Here, we extend the kernel functionality to allow for an arbitrary particle compressibility. The particle-fluid force is obtained from an imposed "no-slip" constraint which enforces similar particle and kernel fluid velocities. This coupling is instantaneous and permits the capture of the fast, nonlinear effects underlying the radiation forces on particles. Acoustic forces arise because of an excess either in particle compressibility (monopolar term) or in mass (dipolar contribution) over the fluid values. Comparison with theoretical expressions shows that the present generalization of the IC method correctly reproduces both contributions. Due to its low computational cost, the present method allows for simulations with many [O(104)] particles using a standard graphical processor unit. © 2013 American Physical Society.