The force between two parallel rigid plates due to the radiation pressure of broadband noise: An acoustic Casimir effect

Abstract

Theoretical and experimental results are presented for the force law between two rigid, parallel plates due to the radiation pressure of broadband acoustic noise. The noise is in the band of 5–15 kHz and has an intensity of 133 dB (re: 10−12 W/m2). Excellent quantitative agreement is shown between theory and experiment. These results constitute an acoustic analog for the Casimir effect, which is the force experienced by two closely spaced uncharged conducting plates due to the quantum electromagnetic zero-point field. In contrast to this case, however, band-limited noise can cause the force to be attractive or repulsive as a function of separation between the plates.