Numerical investigation of the effect of size distribution on the frequency response of encapsulated microbubbles

Microbubbles are used in ultrasound imaging, targeted drug delivery, destruction of cancerous tissues, etc. On the other hand, the demographic behaviors of small bubbles under the influence of Ultrasound have not been fully detected or studied. This study investigates the effect of the radial distribution of Sonazoid microbubbles on frequency response. It is shown that the optimal subharmonic response is possible by controlling the size distribution. For this reason, the numerical simulation of the dynamic behavior of a coated microbubble is performed using MATLAB coding and the modified Rayleigh-Plesset equation. The Gaussian distribution is then applied, and the frequency response is investigated. It was shown that at a constant excitation pressure of 0.4 MPa and a standard deviation of 0.2, with increasing mean radius, the fundamental response increases. The subharmonic response increases reaches a peak value and decreases. This peak value occurs for frequencies of 4,6, and 8 MHz in the mean radius of 0.8, 1 and 1.6 μm. By increasing the frequency of excitation, it is transferred to a smaller mean radius. It is also observed that the fundamental and subharmonic responses are amplified by increasing the excitation pressure. Studies show that the optimal subharmonic response can be achieved for various applications by controlling the size distribution of microbubbles. © 2023 The author(s).