Influence of aerosol formation mechanism by an ultrasonic field on particle size distribution of ceramic powders

Aerosol droplet genesis by ultrasonic atomization has been theoretically st udied using a model for three-dimensional spherical/ellipsoidal waves gener ated by excitation of a system of given geometry by forced frequency of an ultrasonic oscillator. Analyzing the harmonic function of the rate potentia l, an equation has been derived that defines the mean diameter and the dist ribution spectrum of aerosol droplets formed at the surface of a liquid. Co mparison has been made between the calculated values for the mean particle sizes and their distribution with those obtained experimentally for Al2O3, mullite and cordierite powders synthesized from different precursors. (C) 1 999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.