Acoustically Induced Manipulation of Materials: Experimental Findings and Implications for Laser Metal Deposition

Abstract

This paper presents the concept of acoustic levitation as a materials manipulation enhancement for the laser metal deposition process, and outlines directions for future R&D based on work performed at the California Institute of Technology. The problem discussed in this paper is the means by which acoustic energy is used to levitate and control the motion of material. To this end, results are presented from a series of experiments, and two control parameters are compared in terms of their effect on acoustic pressure. The viability of using these control parameters for material manipulation is discussed, and existing acoustic radiation force models are presented.