Numerical simulations of three-dimensional nonlinear acoustic waves in bubbly liquids

This paper presents three-dimensional simulations of nonlinear propagation of ultrasonic waves through bubbly liquids, which represent the continuity of our previous works included in the numerical tool SNOW-BL. The behavior of three-dimensional nonlinear acoustic waves in bubbly liquids is analyzed by means of numerical predictions. Nonlinearity, attenuation, and dispersion due to the presence of bubbles in the liquid are taken into account. The numerical solution to the differential problem is obtained by means of a finite-difference scheme. The simulations we present here consider a homogeneous distribution of bubbles in the liquid. Results compare high and low-amplitude waves to detect the nonlinear effects of the bubbles. Results are shown for radiation and enclosure problems.

► We propose a new model for the simulation of nonlinear ultrasonic waves in bubbly liquids.
► Simulations are carried out in three-dimensional bubbly liquids.
► Nonlinearity, dispersion, and attenuation of the bubbly medium are taken into account in simulations.