Acoustic cavitation noise from ultrasonic horns: properties and applications as sound source

Abstract Acoustic cavitation noise refers to the secondary acoustic radiation from oscillating bubbles generated in liquid by intense ultrasound. This paper reviews the characteristics of acoustic cavitation noise from bubbles formed beneath an ultrasonic horn, specifically for its application as a sound source. First, the fundamental characteristics of acoustic cavitation noise, particularly its frequency spectrum, and the underlying mechanisms governing its generation are introduced. Subsequently, the dynamics of bubbles under ultrasonic horns are examined, followed by a discussion on the applicability of the resulting acoustic cavitation noise as a measurement sound source and potential applications of acoustic cavitation noise.