A simple collision model for small bubbles

Area of Science:

• Fluid dynamics
• Computational physics

Background:

• Accurate modeling of bubble dynamics is crucial for various industrial and scientific applications.
• Existing models for bubble-bubble and bubble-wall interactions often require empirical parameters or significant computational resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, parameter-free model for the interaction force between small bubbles and walls or other bubbles.
• To facilitate Lagrangian calculations of bubble trajectories, with or without resolving the continuous fluid.
• To provide an easy-to-implement and computationally efficient force model.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of an explicit interaction force model based solely on bubble position and velocity.
• Implementation of the model for Lagrangian trajectory calculations.
• Numerical and experimental investigation of small bubble collision with an inclined top wall.

Main Results:

• The developed force model is explicit and requires no empirical parameter calibration.
• The model demonstrates low computational effort, making it suitable for complex simulations.
• Numerical results using the new collision model show good agreement with experimental data.

Conclusions:

• The proposed bubble interaction force model is effective and easy to implement.
• The model accurately predicts bubble-wall collision dynamics.
• This work offers a computationally efficient tool for simulating multiphase flows involving bubbles.