Containerless processing of materials by acoustic levitation

A single-axis ultrasonic levitator which can be applied to containerless processing of materials was described. Analytical expressions of acoustic pressure, acoustic radiation potential and force were derived from the velocity potential function of the applied acoustic field. The levitation region and the levitation stability were then discussed. A sphere of liquid crystal, 4-pentylphenyl-4'-methylbenzoate, was also selected for containerless melting and solidification using the levitator. The results showed that rapid heating of the sample is necessary so as to avoid its escape from the levitation region. However, the measured bulk undercooling of the melt is smaller than that obtained using a container. It was supposed that ultrasonic cavitation produce a local undercooling large enough to initiate solidification of the melt, thus leading to a limited bulk undercooling.