Shock-induced collapse of a vapor nanobubble near solid boundaries

Abstract

The collapse of a nano-bubble near a solid wall is addressed here exploiting a phase field model recently used to describe the process in free space. Bubble collapse is triggered by a normal shock wave in the liquid. The dynamics is explored for different bubble wall normal distances and triggering shock intensities. Overall the dynamics is characterized by a sequence of collapses and rebounds of the pure vapor bubble accompanied by the emission of shock waves in the liquid. The shocks are reflected by the wall to impinge back on the re-expanding bubble. The presence of the wall and the impinging shock wave break the symmetry of the system, leading, for sufficiently strong intensity of the incoming shock wave, to the poration of the bubble and the formation of an annular structure and a liquid jet. Intense peaks of pressure and temperatures are found also at the wall, confirming that the strong localized loading combined with the jet impinging the wall is a potential source of substrate damage induced by the cavitation.