Acoustic radiation pressure on an absorbing sphere

Abstract

The theory of the acoustic radiation pressure on an elastic sphere, placed freely in an inviscid fluid in a field of plane progressive sound waves, is modified to include the effect of a hysteresis type of absorption of shear and compressional waves in the solid material of the sphere. This type of absorption is typical of some types of polymer materials. Calculated results are presented for polymethylmethacrylate lucite and polyethylene spheres in water for ka values between 0 and 24. The results are of interest in view of the use of radiation pressure measurements to determine sound intensity.