Numerical Modelling of the Ultrasonic Treatment of Aluminium Melts: An Overview of Recent Advances

Abstract

The prediction of the acoustic pressure field and associated streaming is of paramount importance to ultrasonic melt processing. Hence, the last decade has witnessed the emergence of various numerical models for predicting acoustic pressures and velocity fields in liquid metals subject to ultrasonic excitation at large amplitudes. This paper summarizes recent research, arguably the state of the art, and suggests best practice guidelines in acoustic cavitation modelling as applied to aluminium melts. We also present the remaining challenges that are to be addressed to pave the way for a reliable and complete working numerical package that can assist in scaling up this promising technology.

Simulation of Ultrasonic Induced Cavitation and Acoustic Streaming in Liquid and Solidifying Aluminum

“…This way, it could be possible to predict the beginning and development of cavitation and acoustic streaming, allow for overlap with simulations of the solidification process (as in [47]), or enable preinvestigations for process design. Furthermore, Lebon et al [41] noted rightly that the modeling behind the results in [48] was not further described. Therefore, a further goal is the more detailed description of the modeling and results behind this work.…”

“…In recent years, many researchers have investigated acoustic streaming using (for instance) particle image velocimetry (PIV) analyses to predict the propagation of acoustic waves, as well as the development of acoustic streaming and its influence on the fluid using simulation tools [8,17,21,[35][36][37][38][39][40]. An overview of (some) research publications on the subject of simulation of ultrasonic treatment so far can be taken from [41] and Table 1.…”

Time-Dependent Numerical Modelling of Acoustic Cavitation in Liquid Metal Driven by Electromagnetic Induction

“…Mathematical, numerical, and computational modelling of electromagnetically induced acoustic cavitation is useful in two ways: it helps better understand the interrelations of the physical phenomena involved, and it can assist in tuning the multiple process parameters on which a successful application of the method depends. Traditionally, only the driving frequency is considered, and oscillation at any other frequency is assumed to be significantly attenuated by the action of the bubbles [7][8][9], which, indeed, is true for most practical cases and especially those where resonance at the driving frequency is sought. The alternative time-dependent modelling method attempts to include non-linearities and multiple frequencies in a single computation based on first principles-the governing equations of fluid motion in an acoustic approximation for liquid media.…”

Optimization of E. coli tip‐sonication for high‐yield cell‐free extract using finite element modeling

“…Finite element modeling of ultrasound systems has been demonstrated in literature, especially for larger reactors. Fluid flow in large sonoreactor (>500 mL) has been extensively studied 35–37 . The temperature‐rise in large reactors, however, is less prevalent, likely due to temperature rise being negligible in a large vessel when subjected to low power density input and having a larger surface area for thermal dissipation 38 .…”

“…Fluid flow in large sonoreactor (>500 mL) has been extensively studied. [35][36][37] The temperature-rise in large reactors, however, is less prevalent, likely due to temperature rise being negligible in a large vessel when subjected to low power density input and having a larger surface area for thermal dissipation. 38 Effects of ultrasound (temperature rise and fluid F I G U R E 1 (A) Schematic depicting cell lysis by tip sonication: (i) sonicator tip is inserted into the sonication vessel, submerging tip in liquid.…”