Photoacoustic Resonator
Application ID: 12435
This is a model of a simple photoacoustic (or optoacoustic) resonator. A pulsating laser heats a gas causing expansion and contraction and thus creates pressure waves. Such devices are used as sensors for measuring material parameters of the gas inside the resonator. The resonance frequency of the system depends on the gas in the resonator.
The model uses the Thermoviscous Acoustics, Frequency Domain interface with a heat source domain feature to include the heat generated by the pulsating laser. The thermoviscous acoustics interface is well suited for this type of application as it solves the full linearized equations for a compressible fluid including the energy equation.
The models is also set up using Pressure Acoustics, Frequency Domain to demonstrate the use of the Thermoviscous Boundary Layer Impedance boundary condition.
This model example illustrates applications of this type that would nominally be built using the following products:
however, additional products may be required to completely define and model it. Furthermore, this example may also be defined and modeled using components from the following product combinations:
The combination of COMSOL® products required to model your application depends on several factors and may include boundary conditions, material properties, physics interfaces, and part libraries. Particular functionality may be common to several products. To determine the right combination of products for your modeling needs, review the Specification Chart and make use of a free evaluation license. The COMSOL Sales and Support teams are available for answering any questions you may have regarding this.