Two-dimensional numerical simulations of nonlinear acoustic streaming in standing waves

•Numerical simulations of acoustic streaming in standing wave 2D channels are shown.•Compressible Navier–Stokes equations are solved with high-order differential schemes.•The transition from regular to irregular streaming flow regimes is described.•Simulations are in good alinement with experiments of nonlinear streaming regimes.•Intricate coupling exists between the mean temperature field and the streaming flow.

Numerical simulations of compressible Navier–Stokes equations in closed two-dimensional channels are performed. A plane standing wave is excited inside the channel and the associated acoustic streaming is investigated for high intensity waves, in the nonlinear streaming regime. Significant distortion of streaming cells is observed, with the centers of streaming cells pushed toward the end-walls. The mean temperature evolution associated with the streaming motion is also investigated.