Forced oscillations of two gas bubbles in a fluid in the vicinity of bubble contact

Abstract

For a theoretical derivation of bubble coalescence conditions, nonlinear forced oscillations of two closely spaced spherical bubbles subjected to the action of a periodic external pressure field are considered. The equations, asymptotic with respect to a small distance between the bubble surfaces, are derived to describe the approach of the bubbles under the action of (i) the Bjerknes attraction force averaged over the oscillation period and (ii) the viscous drag. It is shown that due to nonlinear interaction of the viscous drag with the radial and translational oscillations of the bubbles a unidirectional repulsive force is generated, which prevents the approach of the bubbles. The coalescence of the bubbles is possible when the nondimensional parameter combined from the amplitude and frequency of the external pressure field, the bubble radius, and the fluid viscosity is greater than a certain critical value. The obtained coalescence condition is qualitatively confirmed by experiments.