We present a finite element method (FEM)-based simulation model for acoustic streaming and fountain formation. Streaming field predicted by the model shows agreement with experiments in a validation study. After validation, the model is used to predict the acoustic streaming field in our ultrasoundenhanced electrospinning device. The predicted field gives velocity magnitudes in the micrometers per second range. While this appears slow, such a rate is hypothesized to be significant for the process. Finally, surface force driven acoustic streaming is observed by the simulations.
Ultrasound-enhanced electrospinning (USES) is an electrospinning method that utilizes focused ultrasound to produce nanofibers. The focused ultrasound creates an acoustic fountain on a polymer solution surface. With a high-voltage electric field, electrospinning is initiated from the fountain. Until now USES has been limited by its production rate due to the use of a single ultrasound transducer. Here we present a multi-transducer USES device, with a similar footprint as our old device. Increase in throughput was studied using three of the transducers. Simultaneous, stable spinning, with three transducers was not achieved, however we double the amount of produced fiber with two transducers. Compared to the previous USES device, the results indicate that USES can potentially be scaled up.
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