title: The effect of cavitation bubbles on the removal of juvenile barnacles.
abstract: The effect of cavitation bubbles on the removal of juvenile barnacles was documented using high speed photography. Using spark generated bubbles, the interaction between barnacle and cavitation bubble was examined in detail. The liquid jet generated by the bubble collapse was observed to be directed towards barnacle at different impact intensities, which is related to the dimensionless distance H' (H'=H/Rm), where H is the distance between bubble formation point and the top of barnacle, and Rm is the maximum bubble radius. At lower values of H', higher speed liquid jet was produced; consequently a larger impact pressure was generated. In general, barnacles are more easily removed at a younger stage. In older barnacles, the liquid jet impact was only able to remove the barnacle shells, leaving the base plate attached to the surface. This study indicates that cavitation can be used to remove attached barnacles, and it would be more efficient if it is applied during early stages of fouling, before the formation of hard calcareous structures.
authors: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore. gsf830@hotmail.com
authors: Shifeng
authors: S
authors: Guo
authors: Boo Cheong
authors: BC
authors: Khoo
authors: Serena Lay Ming
authors: SL
authors: Teo
authors: Heow Pueh
authors: HP
authors: Lee
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D057219:Biofouling / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005740:Gases / Q000737:chemistry*; D007814:Larva; D010316:Particle Size; D013499:Surface Properties; D001468:Thoracica / Q000254:growth & development; D014465:Ultrasonics
chemical_list: D005740:Gases