Numerical models for the study of the nonlinear frequency mixing in two and three-dimensional resonant cavities filled with a bubbly liquid

Abstract

The objective of this work is to develop versatile numerical models to study the nonlinear distortion of ultrasounds and the generation of low-ultrasonic frequency signals by nonlinear frequency mixing in two and three-dimensional resonators filled with bubbly liquids. The interaction of the acoustic field and the bubble vibrations is modeled through a coupled differential system formed by the multi-dimensional wave equation and a Rayleigh-Plesset equation. The numerical models we develop are based on multi-dimensional finite-volume techniques and a time discretization carried out by finite differences. Numerical experiments are performed for complex modes in many different cavities considering different kinds of boundary conditions and taking advantage of the dispersive character of the bubbly fluid to match specific resonances of the cavities. Results show the distribution of fundamental and harmonics for single frequency excitation and difference-frequency component for two-frequency excitation that are promoted by the strong nonlinearity of the bubbly medium. The numerous simulations analyzed suggest that the new numerical models developed and proposed in this paper are useful to understand the behavior of ultrasounds in bubbly liquids for sonochemical processes and applications of nonlinear frequency mixing.