An improved theory for the prediction of microcavitation thresholds.

An approximate analytical formulation is presented that allows for the calculation of acoustic pressure thresholds for transient cavitation over a variety of frequencies and host fluid parameters. Specifically, R.E. Apfel's (1986) theory is extended to include an estimate of the time delay associated with the Laplace pressure, 2sigma/R(0), where sigma is the surface tension and R(0) is the initial radius. Also presented is a correction factor for the time-averaged pressure difference, across the bubble wall during growth. An optimum size distribution of nuclei for the predisposition of a sample to microcavitation is exhibited. The role of transient cavitation in medical ultrasound is discussed.