Three-Dimensional Computation of Bubbles Near a Free Surface

Abstract

A new boundary element model for simulating the interaction of one or more bubbles and a free surface is described. An important feature of this model is the utilization of a nine-noded Lagrangian interpolation for the computation of surface characteristics and material velocity. Solid angles on the free surface are computed via a direct approach, as opposed to the indirect approach usually employed for closed surfaces. The evolution of the bubble is followed until the point before the reentrant jet impacts on the opposite wall of the bubble. The results of the 3D code are compared against those of a one-dimensional Rayleigh-Plesset model and an axisymmetric code. New results are presented for the interaction of two bubbles and a free surface, where fully three-dimensional features are expected. © 1998 Academic Press.