Sonic showers, could they really work?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using sonic waves as an alternative to water for cleansing the body, inspired by science fiction concepts. Participants explore the practicality of sonic showers, referencing both fictional portrayals and real-world applications of ultrasonic cleaning technology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention that sonic waves have been used effectively for cleaning applications, such as removing soot from chimneys with ultrasonic waves.
  • Others inquire whether the idea of sonic showers is based on fictional representations, referencing examples from media like "The Jetsons" and "Hyperion."
  • One participant expresses skepticism, arguing that while ultrasonic devices can clean certain materials, they are not universally effective and typically require immersion in a liquid for optimal performance.
  • Another participant adds that similar technology is depicted in "Star Trek," suggesting a cultural precedent for the concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the practicality of sonic showers, with some participants supporting the idea based on fictional examples and others challenging its feasibility based on technical limitations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that ultrasonic cleaning often requires a liquid medium to be effective, which may limit the applicability of sonic showers as a standalone cleansing method.

GTOM
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An SF idea is to use sonic waves instead of water to cleanse your body.
Would it work in reality? I saw a video once, where they cleansed a chimney from soot with ultrasonic waves.
 
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GTOM is this for a writing material? Did you see such a device during a movie or while reading a book?
 
"Did you see such a device during a movie or while reading a book? "

Yes, it was in Jetsons family, and in the book Hyperion.
 
Seems legit...
 
Don't forget Star Trek.
 
IMHO the answer is "no".

While ultrasonic devices work for cleaning some types of material, they are far from being universal. Plus, in many applications they are used in conjunction with a bath - that is, you immerse the object you want to purify and then you start the sonification. For many reasons that is much more efficient than dry sonification.
 

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