Modeling of Driven Bubble Dynamics in a Tube
* Presenting author
Abstract:
Applications of ultrasound and cavitation comprise sonochemistry: the induction or support of chemical reactions in liquids by the “hot spots” of collapsing bubbles. In combination with micro- and milli-fluidic flow reactors, novel methods for process intensification emerge. Since bubble oscillations confined to limited spaces can differ from free bubble dynamics, the behaviour of acoustically excited bubbles in ducts or tubes comes into focus. Here we show results on numerical modelling of bubble dynamics in spherical tubes. The open source software OpenFOAM is used with a finite volumes method and volume of fluid method to simulate a single Rayleigh bubble in an axisymmetric cylinder for a family of parameters. Preliminary results show the effect of the cylinder’s radius to length ratio and the flow velocity on the bubble’s collapse time, its translation and deformation within the flow field and jet formation.