Direct 2D simulation of small gas bubble clusters: from the expansion step to the equilibrium state

A numerical strategy, based on an adaptive finite element method, is proposed for the direct two‐dimensional simulation of the expansion of small clusters of gas bubbles within a Newtonian liquid matrix. The velocity and pressure fields in the liquid are first defined through the Stokes equations and are subsequently extended to the gas bubbles. The liquid–gas coupling is imposed through the stress exerted on the liquid by gas pressure (ruled by an ideal gas law) and by surface tension. A level set method, combined with a mesh adaptation technique, is used to track liquid–gas interfaces. Many numerical simulations are presented. The single bubble case allows to compare the simulations to an analytical model. Simulations of the expansion of small clusters are then presented showing the interaction and evolution of the gas bubbles to an equilibrium state, involving topological rearrangements induced by Plateau's rule. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.