Acoustic dipole surfing on its own acoustic field: toward acoustic quantum analogues

TL;DR

This paper explores how a dipolar acoustic source can be propelled by its own emitted wave, potentially leading to acoustic systems that mimic quantum behaviors through self-induced forces.

Contribution

It demonstrates that unlike monopolar sources, dipolar sources can experience a self-induced force aligned with their velocity, enabling a form of acoustic 'surfing' on their own wave.

Findings

Dipolar sources can have self-induced forces aligned with their motion.

Self-induced forces can amplify the source's velocity perturbation.

Potential for creating acoustic systems with quantum-like behaviors.

Abstract

In a recent paper [J. Fluid Mech., 952: A22 (2022)], Roux et al. demonstrated that a translating monopolar acoustic source is subjected to a self-induced radiation force opposite to its motion. This force results from a symmetry breaking of the emitted wave induced by Doppler effect. In the present work, we show that for a dipolar source, the selfinduced radiation force can be aligned with the velocity perturbation, hence amplifying it. This work suggests the possibility of a dipolar acoustic source surfing on its own acoustic wave, hence paving the way towards acoustic quantum analogues.