Abstract: Systems and methods for achieving cavitation at high static pressures which may be used in acoustic applications and research such as in liquid metal resonators. Novel preparation and electroplating methods are disclosed to improve boundary layer conditions. A chemical cleaning loop for containment and treatment for oxide removal and to develop a dynamic system for chemically treating liquid metal disposed in a liquid metal loop is also described. A liquid metal handling loop for containment and treatment is provided to maintain cleanliness of bulk liquid metal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating small elongated fibrous and particles of certain materials, e.g., PTFE materials in a suspension are presented. In some instances, high-intensity ultrasound (or acoustical energy) is applied to a sample of the material, through a fluid coupling medium or suspension, to achieve a material transformation in the sample. In various embodiments, fibrillation of particles of PTFE or similar materials is accomplished, or the formation of extended structures of these materials is caused or enhanced. Also, the ability to separate long fiber samples by ultrasonic or acoustic cavitation action is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for achieving cavitation at high static pressures which may be used in acoustic applications and research such as in liquid metal resonators. Novel preparation and electroplating methods are disclosed to improve boundary layer conditions. A chemical cleaning loop for containment and treatment for oxide removal and to develop a dynamic system for chemically treating liquid metal disposed in a liquid metal loop is also described. A liquid metal handling loop for containment and treatment is provided to maintain cleanliness of bulk liquid metal.

Abstract: Acoustic resonators and systems for controlling the same to cause desired reactions and physical effects therein are described. Some aspects are directed to an acoustic cavitation resonator that can be placed under high static pressure and to which a set of ultrasonic drivers are coupled so as to cause cavitation in the resonator during operation. Inlet and outlet ports allow introduction of one or more fluid species into the resonator so that the desired processing of the fluids can be accomplished under pressure and in the presence of cavitation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating small elongated fibrous and particles of certain materials, e.g., PTFE materials in a suspension are presented. In some instances, high-intensity ultrasound (or acoustical energy) is applied to a sample of the material, through a fluid coupling medium or suspension, to achieve a material transformation in the sample. In various embodiments, fibrillation of particles of PTFE or similar materials is accomplished, or the formation of extended structures of these materials is caused or enhanced. Also, the ability to separate long fiber samples by ultrasonic or acoustic cavitation action is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for cavitation and sonoluminescence is provided. In some embodiments the apparatus provides high-intensity shock waves that modify the properties of the liquid medium in the resonator and thereby alter the optical and electrical properties of the liquid. Methods for studying the acoustical and optical characteristics of the liquid and the sound fields in such scenarios are enabled and thereby testing and analysis of the same are made possible.

Abstract: A mechanical response of an implantable medical device (IMD) to a first static magnetic field and a first gradient magnetic field slew rate is simulated by exposing the IMD to a second static magnetic field having a magnitude greater than the first static magnetic field and generating a second gradient magnetic field at the IMD such that a product of the second static magnetic field and a second gradient magnetic field slew rate is substantially equal to a product of the first static magnetic field and the first gradient magnetic field slew rate.

Abstract: A mechanical response of an implantable medical device (IMD) to a first static magnetic field and a first gradient magnetic field slew rate is simulated by exposing the IMD to a second static magnetic field having a magnitude greater than the first static magnetic field and generating a second gradient magnetic field at the IMD such that a product of the second static magnetic field and a second gradient magnetic field slew rate is substantially equal to a product of the first static magnetic field and the first gradient magnetic field slew rate.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic refrigeration device employs a gas-vapor mixture as the working fluid. As a result, the refrigeration device operates according to a modified thermoacoustic refrigeration cycle that adds a condensation-vaporization cycle to the thermoacoustic cycle. The resulting modified refrigeration cycle increases the efficiency of heat transport by harnessing the translational motion of the vapor, as well as the usual acoustic oscillations, to transport the heat energy from one end of a thermal stack to the other.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic refrigeration device employs a gas-vapor mixture as the working fluid. As a result, the refrigeration device operates according to a modified thermoacoustic refrigeration cycle that adds a condensation-vaporization cycle to the thermoacoustic cycle. The resulting modified refrigeration cycle increases the efficiency of heat transport by harnessing the translational motion of the vapor, as well as the usual acoustic oscillations, to transport the heat energy from one end of a thermal stack to the other.