Separation of two fractions of immiscible liquids by ultrasound in microgravity
Résumé
Ultrasonic separation of two immiscible liquids under microgravity conditions has been demonstrated on example of liquid mixtures of FC-70 or FC-72 with silicone oils of 1.5 or 1.0 cSt viscosities, respectively. A 3-MHz focused ultrasound beam was utilized to form an emulsion from these liquid combinations, and a plane wave of the same frequency served to separate (demix) fluids. Droplet deformation under pulsed ultrasound in microgravity conditions is reported, and the observed singular behavior is discussed.