Hydrodynamic interaction of a bubble pair in viscoelastic shear-thinning fluids

Abstract

We experimentally investigate the interaction between a pair of bubbles ascending in a stagnant viscoelastic shear-thinning fluid. In particular, we focus on the effect of bubble size, across the velocity discontinuity, on the bubble-bubble interaction. Compared to the drafting–kissing–tumbling (DKT) behavior in Newtonian fluids, bubbles in the viscoelastic shear-thinning fluid exhibit a drafting–kissing–dancing (DKD) phenomenon. In the dancing phase, the bubble pair repeatedly interchange their relative leading and trailing positions as they rise to the free surface. To gain further insights, the flow fields around the bubble pair interaction are obtained using particle image velocimetry (PIV). From the experimental results, we suggest that the elasticity, deformability, and negative wake are responsible for such an interaction between the bubble pair, thus revealing the fundamental physics of bubble clustering often observed in non-Newtonian fluids. • Strikingly different two bubble interactions in viscoelastic shear-thinning fluids. • At critical bubble volume, a discontinuity in the bubble velocity occurs. • For subcritical bubble pairs, the bubbles attract to form chains and coalesce. • Whereas, in supercritical bubble pairs, a ‘dancing’ oscillating behavior is observed. • Negative wake, deformability, and elasticity determine the type of interaction.