Abstract
In this work, aqueous glycerol solutions are atomized to investigate the influence of the viscosity on the droplet size and the general atomization behavior in a setup using standing surface acoustic waves (sSAW) and a fluid supply at the boundary of the acoustic path. Depending on the fluid viscosity, the produced aerosols have a monomodal or polymodal size distribution. The mean droplet size in the dominant droplet fraction, however, decreases with increasing viscosity. Our results also indicate that the local wavefield conditions are crucial for the atomization process.
Highlights
Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) fluid atomizers have the demonstrated ability to generate droplets without the need for moving parts or nozzles
Aqueous glycerol solutions are atomized to investigate the influence of the viscosity on the droplet size and the general atomization behavior in a setup using standing surface acoustic waves and a fluid supply at the boundary of the acoustic path
Wavefield and Diffraction In order to investigate the influence of the viscosity on the aerosol generation process, different aqueous glycerol solutions were used as model fluids
Summary
Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) fluid atomizers have the demonstrated ability to generate droplets without the need for moving parts or nozzles. Their great potential for integration is expected to lead to an economic production of hand-held and even disposable devices, with a single functionality or integrated in more complex superior systems. The principle of fluid atomization using surface acoustic waves on piezoelectric chips was demonstrated by Kurosawa et al in 1995 [1] [2] Since this phenomenon has been investigated regarding the underlying physical phenomena [3]-[6] or possible applications, including inhalation therapy [7] [8], olfactory displays [9], micro- and nanoparticle synthesis [10]-[12], thin film deposition [13]-[15] and mass spectroscopy of non-volatile fluids [16]-[18]. This work concentrates on the atomization of aqueous glycerol solutions as model fluids with high viscosity
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