On the stability of inhomogeneous fluids under acoustic fields

Abstract

In this work, we present the stability theory for inhomogeneous fluids subjected to standing acoustic fields. Starting from the first principles, the stability criterion is established for two fluids of different acoustic impedance separated by a plane interface. Through stability theory and numerical simulations we show that, in the presence of interfacial tension, the relocation of high-impedance fluid from anti-node to node occurs when the acoustic force overcomes interfacial tension force, which is in agreement with recent microchannel experiments. Furthermore, we establish an acoustic Bond number that characterizes stable (Bo_a < 1) and relocation (Bo_a > 1) regimes. Remarkably, it is found that the critical acoustic energy density required for relocation can be significantly reduced by increasing the channel height which could help design acoustofluidic microchannel devices that handle immiscible fluids.