This research simulated standing surface acoustic waves (SSAW) within microfluidic devices, using the Finite Element Modelling package, PZFlex (Weidlinger Asssociates Inc.).
This technique has potential for applications that require ordering, transportation or manipulation of particles such as cells.
A standing wave is a type of interference pattern that appears to be stationary.
The top plot is a close zoom of the target area. Regions of red and blue show maximum pressure at the standing wave anti-nodes. It can also be seen that there exists nodes of zero pressure or zero displacement. Particles will be collected at the nodes. The position of the nodes can then be altered by changing frequency.
The lower plot in the video shows a zoomed out version of the region between two transducers. It can be seen that the transducers are driven in anti-phase thus generating a standing wave in the middle.
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