Self-Propulsion of Two Contacting Bubbles Due to the Radiation Interaction Force

Abstract

In this paper, we consider a new bubble-based microswimmer composed of two contacting bubbles. Under the action of an acoustic field, both bubbles are oscillating, and locomotion of the two-bubble system is observed. A theory is developed that allows one to calculate the acoustic radiation interaction forces between two gas bubbles in an incompressible viscous liquid for any small separation distance between the bubbles. This theory is used to demonstrate that two acoustically excited bubbles can create a self-propelled microswimmer due to a nonzero net force experienced by the bubbles when they come in contact. Experimental evidence of the creation of such a swimmer and of its motion is provided.

Keywords

• gas bubble
• radiation interaction force
• viscous liquid
• self-propulsion
• acoustic manipulation