Manipulation of expanded polystyrene spheres using acoustic waves with varying voltages

• Main Author: Lim, Nicholas Yi
• Other Authors: Du Hejun
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2020
• Subjects: Engineering::Aeronautical engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/141119
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Sound waves are mechanical waves that, when concentrated, are able to produce acoustic radiation forces. When these forces converge in different directions with sufficient strength, particles can levitate. This act of levitation is thus known as acoustic levitation. Acoustic levitation is the act of sound waves levitating different objects and materials through different mediums such as water, air, and tissue. Levitation thus allows the manipulation and interaction of particles without needing to come in contact with them physically, eliminating chances of contamination. For acoustic levitation to occur, an acoustic levitator is used. There are many kinds of acoustic levitators, but in this research, the method of levitation analysed would be a single beam. This type of acoustic levitator is also known as an acoustic tractor beam. In this project, an acoustic tractor beam was designed, fabricated and operated. The paper also discusses how varying voltages affect the manipulation of expanded polystyrene spheres.