Levitating Force and Stability Analysis of Near-field Acoustic Levitation using Flexural Vibrations of the Plate

Abstract—In this study, finite element approach is used to simulate the near-field acoustic levitation phenomenon. The resonance frequency of an aluminum plate (driver) around 19 000 Hz corresponding to the strip flexural mode is obtained. Total radiation force due to the strip flexural mode vibrations of driver on the flat surfaced levitating object (reflector) is obtained. Simulation results are validated with the experimental study presented in the literature. Further, some other resonance frequencies of the driver corresponding to the strip flexural mode are obtained. Total radiation forces corresponding to these resonance frequencies are compared. It is observed that same radiation force can be obtained using less energy at lower resonance frequency. The finite element method is further used to study the translational as well as rotational stability of the levitating object. The levitating object can be levitated stably at the displacement antinodes of the flexural mode vibrations of the driver plate.