Self-propelled swimmer via thickness-vibration-mode ultrasonic transducer

Abstract

Acoustic radiation force (ARF) has been widely used in the field of microfluidics. Acoustic radiation propulsion (ARP), a reaction force of ARF, has never been proposed and discussed. This reaction phenomenon may actually play a significant role in swimmer propulsion system. To confirm and discuss this phenomenon, a prototype swimmer is designed in this study. The swimmer converts ARP into movement and force in water. Bulk acoustic wave is excited with a PZT thickness-vibration-mode ultrasonic transducer. The no load speed and zero speed propulsion of swimmer are measured and investigated. Acceleration is discussed by the no load speed and zero speed propulsion measurements to illustrate the fluid resistance and wire traction. Based on the advantages of high power density, self-propelled, simple structure, The swimmer propulsion with ARP deserves to be expected in blood vessels or other miniature pipeline environments.