Dynamic behaviour of a bubble near an elastic infinite interface

Abstract

This paper presents a study to describe the behaviour of a non-equilibrium bubble in a fluid (Fluid 1) that is in contact with another fluid (Fluid 2). Fluid 2 is assumed to incorporate some elastic properties, which are modelled through a pressure term at the fluid–fluid interface. The Laplace equation is assumed to be valid in both fluids and the boundary integral method is employed to simulate the dynamics of the bubble and the fluid–fluid interface. Interesting characteristic phenomena concerning bubble oscillations and the deformation of the fluid–fluid interface are studied for a range of parameters (distance from the fluid–fluid interface, density ratios of the two fluids and elastic properties of Fluid 2). Some of the phenomena observed are jet formation in the bubble, bubble splitting, a ring bubble separating from the main bubble, mushroom-shaped bubbles and the dynamic elevation of the elastic interface. Most of these phenomena are only observed when Fluid 2 possesses some elastic properties (besides the usual formation of a high speed liquid jet). Comparisons with experimental observations confirm the validity of our simulations.