The rate of growth of vapor bubbles in superheated water

Abstract

Calculations are presented for the dynamic stability of vapor and air bubbles in superheated water. These calculations indicate that the values of the bubble radii for which the equilibrium is unstable are restricted to a finite range of radii whose values are governed by the temperature of the water and the initial air content in the bubble. Two theoretical solutions for the rate of growth of these unstable bubbles are considered. The first, is a solution of the equation of motion of the bubble radius with the assumption that there is no heat diffusion across the bubble wall. The second, is a solution which includes the effect of heat diffusion. The two solutions differ appreciably. These two solutions are then compared with the experimental data on the growth of the vapor bubbles in superheated water. This comparison shows agreement with the solution with the effect of heat diffusion included.