Therefore, a user can direct the ARP force at almost any desired point within a liquid volume. This flexibility allow it to be used for multiple purposes, such as to agitate liquids, deploy and manipulate drops or bubbles, and even suppress sloshing in spacecraft propellant tanks. A simple algorithm is used to calculate the desired beam focus and steering angle. The high-voltage signals are used to drive the acoustic phased array. Each channel has a separate amplifier to drive each individual array element.
Users can operate the system interactively by using a computer mouse or similar input device.
When complete, the system should be able to track an object and apply the ARP force to manipulate its position and behavior in real time. Because this system is nonintrusive, users can manipulate liquids or objects without opening the containers, making it possible to safely handle many toxic or reactive chemicals. The technique can also be used to create standing surface waves like those used for applying coatings and solders to electronic circuit boards. The ability to alter the surface wave on command may make it possible to eliminate masking operations. This, in turn, would reduce tooling costs and chemical waste products.