Liquid interface shaping and transport phenomena induced by spatially inhomogeneous vibrations

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how spatially inhomogeneous vibrations, created by resonant bubble oscillations, can control liquid interface shape and induce transport phenomena, with theoretical and experimental validation.

Contribution

It introduces a method to generate controlled vibration gradients using sinking bubbles, enabling precise manipulation of liquid interfaces and transport at the interface.

Findings

Vibration gradients can elevate liquid interfaces predictably.

Secondary flows can transport floating objects at the interface.

Experimental results match theoretical predictions.

Abstract

Vibrations can dynamically stabilize otherwise unstable liquid interfaces and produce new dynamic equilibria, called vibro-equilibria. Typically, the vibrations are homogeneous in the liquid and the liquid interface remains approximately flat. Here, we produce controlled vertical vibration gradients by taking advantage of the resonant oscillations of sinking submerged bubbles. The locally increased amplitude of the vibrations induces a local elevation of the liquid interface that can be controlled and engineered. The mean elevation of the interface can be linked theoretically with the local vibration amplitude by a simple formula that is tested experimentally. In addition, the transport of a floating body at the interface can be induced by secondary flows triggered by the amplitude gradients of the liquid vibrations.