Manipulation of fluid objects with acoustic radiation pressure

Abstract

Conditions are summarized for manipulating and stabilizing fluid objects based on the acoustic radiation pressure of standing waves. Examples include (but are not limited to) liquid drops, gas bubbles in liquids, and cylindrical liquid bridges. The emphasis is on situations where the characteristic wavelength of the acoustic field is large in comparison to the relevant dimension of the fluid object. Tables are presented for ease of comparing the signs of qualitatively different radiation force parameters for a variety of fluid objects.