UCOM · Ultrasound Cavitation in Soft Materials

The pressures and temperatures developing during the interactions of shockwaves with cavitation bubbles and soft matter induce complex phenomena, both at physical and biochemical levels. These have a non- exhaustive range of relevant applications including ultrasound-based therapies, surface cleaning and food processing. Our aim is to explore these processes both in micro and macroscales using experiments and to develop new computational capabilities for their simulations. Measurements will include temperature/ species forming in collapsing bubbles, identifying chemical reactions and possible tissue interaction, such as protein denaturation and agglomeration; tissue cavitation threshold and its control using nanoparticles, allowing development of new cavitation-mimicking-tissue materials extrapolating to actual tissue properties that will be used for in-vitro testing of equipment with minimum collateral damages. Computations will be based on advanced multi-resolution methods coupling fluid flow, chemical reactions and deforming material mechanics solvers, with physically consistent thermodynamic closure models for the involved materials; pressure wave propagation, bubble nucleation and material damage effects will link microscale phenomena to macroscale. Uncertainty quantification techniques will link computations with experimental data. UCOM builds upon the strong foundations of the PIs and their teams in training researchers in computational and experimental methods on cavitation and their strong record to successfully integrate research and technical applications. The final goal of the research and training program is to explore the enormous potential of the new and experimentally validated computational tools to guide breakthrough innovations and high-impact, high-tech technologies ranging across different sectors that all eventually enhance their careers and will be serving the well-being.