Numerical simulation of bubble size distribution of aluminium foams in liquid state

Abstract

A mathematical model for predicting the evolution of bubble size distribution in Al foams is presented, which takes into account effects of both the coarsening due to gas diffusion between bubbles and the liquid drainage. A bubble size distribution equation and a one-dimensional drainage equation are solved coupledly by a finite difference approach. Comparison with experimental results from the literature shows a general agreement. The model predictions indicate that the bubble size increases exponentially with time that is in good agreement with MacPherson's theory. Furthermore, computational results reveal that bubble size distributions are dependent strongly on the drainage behaviour, the Henry constant, gas diffusivity and surface tension of the Al foam in liquid state.