Interaction of two spark-generated bubbles near a confined free surface

In this paper, the oscillation of two spark-generated bubbles placed on a vertical column in close proximity to a confined free surface is considered. The confined free surface is accorded by the top opening of different configurations. These configurations include (i) a centrally perforated horizontal flat plate (\({\theta=90^{\circ})}\), (ii) vertically placed cylinder (\({\theta=0^{\circ})}\) and (iii) nozzle (\({\theta >0^{\circ})}\). The main objective of the present work is to study the effects of key parameters such as the nozzle geometry, the locations of the energy input (i.e., initial position of the bubbles with respect to each other and relative to the free surface) on the dynamics of the two bubbles and the free surface. It was found that the lifetime of the upper bubble decreases from the vertical cylinder to the flat plate case. In addition, by reducing the inter-bubble distance, the lifetime of the upper bubble becomes longer and the repulsion between two bubbles during the expansion phase is stronger. Finally, by reducing the upper bubble-free surface distance, the repulsion between two bubbles during expansion phase increases, the tendency of the upper bubble to rebound and initiate another oscillation cycle decreases, and the amplitude of elevation of the free surface increases.     

Numerical study on the oscillation of a transient bubble near a confined free surface for droplet generation

In the present work, the oscillation of a spark-created bubble near a confined water–air interface and the ensuing droplet generation and ejection are studied numerically using the boundary element method. The interface is accorded by the top opening of either one of the following symmetrical configurations, which are distinguished by the value of angle between their vertical symmetry axis and lateral wall (i.e., θ): (i) a centrally perforated horizontal flat plate (θ = 90°) and (ii) vertically placed cylinder (θ = 0°), nozzle (θ > 0°) and diffuser (θ < 0°). Furthermore, the influences of the effective parameters such as the strength parameter (i.e., the intensity of local energy input), the bubble-free surface distance (standoff distance) and the nozzle size on the bubble dynamics and droplet formation and ejection processes are investigated. It was found that the moment at which the bubble attained its maximum volume was advanced as θ increased. In addition, by decreasing θ the attraction of the bubble toward the free surface during its expansion phase and its migration from the free surface during its contraction phase became stronger. Furthermore, for the nozzle case, by increasing θ, the volume of the droplet was increased. It was also found that by increasing the strength parameter, the volume of the droplet increased and its pinch-off happened earlier. Finally, as the standoff distance was increased, the volume of the droplet increased and its pinch-off was delayed.