When a container partially filled with liquid is oscillated vertically and air is injected at the bottom of the container, the fluid can “levitate”. Investigate the phenomenon.

problem statement

• Vertical vibration of the container + injected air → a stable liquid layer sits on top of an air cushion.

• Lower liquid surface becomes a place where objects can float upside-down.

• System shows sharp thresholds (must hit a vibration amplitude/frequency).

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the phenomenon

• Vibrations change effective forces on the interface (time-varying g).

• The air pocket acts like a spring — it can resonate with the drive and support the liquid mass.

• Result: dynamic stabilization + inverted buoyancy for floaters.

why

• Frequency $f$, amplitude $A$ → acceleration parameter Γ=Aω2/g\Gamma = A\omega^2/gΓ=Aω2/g.

• Air flow rate $Q$, liquid depth $h$, density $\rho$, surface tension $\sigma$, viscosity $\mu$.

• Measured: onset threshold, levitated layer thickness, bubble statistics, stability time.

key parameters

variables

• Type of gas
• Type of liquid (viscosity)
• Oscillation frequency
• Air flow rate

design

SHAKER

AIR

LIQUID

AIR IN

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