Boundary integral equations as applied to an oscillating bubble near a fluid-fluid interface

Abstract

A new method is presented to describe the behaviour of an oscillating bubble near a fluid-fluid interface. Such a situation can be found for example in underwater explosions (near muddy bottoms) or in bubbles generated near two (biological) fluids separated by a membrane. The Laplace equation is assumed to be valid in both fluids. The fluids can have different density ratios. A relationship between the two velocity potentials just above and below the fluid-fluid interface can be used to update the co-ordinates of the new interface at the next time step. The boundary integral method is then used for both fluids. With the resulting equations the normal velocities on the interface and the bubble are obtained. Depending on initial distances of the bubble from the fluid-fluid interface and density ratios, the bubbles can develop jets towards or away from this interface. Gravity can be important for bubbles with larger dimensions.