Applications of Acoustic Streaming - Developing a fundamental understanding of acoustic streaming and its use for flow manipulation and control.

Dyson is well known for its flow control technology, both in confined (air flow through a vacuum cleaner) and open (air purification in a room) spaces. To maintain a market leading position, Dyson must develop new technology through investment in research. The purpose of this 4 year project is to develop a fundamental understanding of acoustic streaming for use in flow manipulation and control applications. Acoustic streaming is a phenomenon whereby a flow field is generated in a fluid as a result of the nonlinear interaction of a high pressure acoustic wave with the fluid medium. It is one of the two nonlinear phenomena that make up acoustophoresis (forces generated with sound), the other being the acoustic radiation force. The UNDT group have conducted extensive research in the use of ultrasound for manipulating particles using the acoustic radiation force. The project will build on this knowledge by incorporating acoustic streaming, specifically by developing an understanding of how acoustic driven streaming, solid surfaces and fluid flow interact with each other. The governing equations of acoustic streaming will be used to conduct multiphysics modelling of a fully coupled acoustic/flow system, and the work will be validated through experiment. I will work with the aeroacoustic research group at Dyson, where I will have to disseminate knowledge developed during the course of the research to be used for the development of future technology and products. There will be opportunities to work at Dyson and to use their state-of-the-art laboratory and prototyping facilities.