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Published November 1, 1984 | public
Journal Article Open

Numerical solution of free-boundary problems in fluid mechanics. Part 2. Buoyancy-driven motion of a gas bubble through a quiescent liquid

Abstract

In this paper numerical results are presented for the buoyancy-driven rise of a deformable bubble through an unbounded quiescent fluid. Complete solutions, including the bubble shape, are obtained for Reynolds numbers in the range 1 [less-than-or-equal] R [less-than-or-equal] 200 and for Weber numbers up to 20. For Reynolds numbers R [less-than-or-equal] 20 the shape of the bubble changes from nearly spherical to oblate-ellipsoidal to spherical-cap depending on Weber number; at higher Reynolds numbers 'disk-like' and 'saucer-like' shapes appear at W = O(10). The present results show clearly that flow separation may occur at a smooth free surface at intermediate Reynolds numbers; this fact suggests a qualitative explanation of the often-observed irregular (zigzag or helical) paths of rising bubbles.

Additional Information

Copyright © 1984 Cambridge University Press. Reprinted with permission. (Received 11 April 1983 and in revised form 27 April 1984) This work was supported by a grant from the Fluid Mechanics Program of the National Science Foundation.

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August 22, 2023
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