Power of tiny vibrations could inspire novel heating devices

Power of tiny vibrations could inspire novel heating devices
Schematics of (a) typical ultrasonic atomizer setup, (b) macroscale conjunction theory of atomization, with cavitation inside the fluid and capillary waves at the surface, (c) nanoscale acoustothermal heating and atomization, and (d) the NEMD problem setup for the simulations in this work. Credit: Physical Review Letters (2018). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.121.104502

Ultra-fast vibrations can be used to heat tiny amounts of liquid, experts have found, in a discovery that could have a range of engineering applications.

The findings could in theory help improve systems that prevent the build-up of ice on aeroplanes and , researchers say.

They could also be used to enhance cooling systems in smartphones and laptops, and make it possible to develop appliances that dry clothes more quickly using less energy.

Scientists have shown for the first time that tiny quantities of liquid can be brought to a boil if they are shaken at extreme speeds.

A team from the University of Edinburgh made the discovery using computer simulations.

Liquid layers one thousand times thinner than a human hair can be boiled using extremely rapid vibrations—a million times faster than the flapping of a hummingbird's wings.

The motion of the vibrating surface under the fluid is converted into heat as liquid molecules move and collide with each other, the team says.

It is only possible to use vibrations to boil extremely small quantities of liquid—contained within a few billionths of a meter above the vibrating surface, researchers say. Energy from vibrations applied to larger volumes instead produces tiny waves and bubbles, and only a very small amount of heat.

The team used the ARCHER UK National Supercomputing Service—which is operated by EPCC, the University's high-performance computing facility—to run its simulations.

The study, published in the journal Physical Review Letters, was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

Dr. Rohit Pillai, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Engineering, who led the study, said: "Exploiting this new science of vibrations at the smallest scales could literally shake things up in our everyday lives. The advent of nanotechnology means that this discovery can underpin novel engineering devices of the future."

More information: Rohit Pillai et al, Acoustothermal Atomization of Water Nanofilms, Physical Review Letters (2018). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.121.104502

Journal information: Physical Review Letters

Citation: Power of tiny vibrations could inspire novel heating devices (2018, September 10) retrieved 19 April 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2018-09-power-tiny-vibrations-devices.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Heat and sound wave interactions in solids could run engines, refrigerators

43 shares

Feedback to editors