Design and Optimization of an Acoustic Levitator for Experimental Rocketry

Abstract

This study presents the design and preliminary laboratory validation of an acoustic levitator intended for future integration into the payload bay of an experimental rocket. The work aims to explore the feasibility of acoustic levitation as a contactless particle-handling system for experimental rocketry. The research combined a theoretical review, prototype design, numerical acoustic simulation, RocketPy-based flight-condition simulation, and laboratory testing of a small-scale acoustic levitation system. The prototype was evaluated under controlled static laboratory conditions using a 40 kHz ultrasonic configuration. The prototype achieved particle suspension under laboratory conditions. The system was configured with 36 ultrasonic transducers arranged in two opposed arrays, a 12 V DC power supply, and a transparent acrylic chamber for particle observation. AKBAL-II flight simulations defined preliminary environmental conditions, including peak acceleration, atmospheric pressure variation, estimated vibration range, parachute events, and total flight time. The results support the preliminary feasibility of the proposed acoustic levitation system at the prototype level. However, in-flight operation has not yet been experimentally validated and remains future work. Further testing is required to evaluate vibration resistance, pressure effects, thermal behavior, energy consumption, repeatability, and stability under representative flight conditions.