Analysis of initial bubble acceleration using the level-set method

Abstract

A new axisymmetric level-set code for incompressible, multiphase flows using the vorticity-streamfunction formulation has been developed. The level-set method is well suited to treating multiphase flows having complex interface shapes that may undergo topological changes, such as merging and splitting of bubbles. The initial acceleration of a single air bubble in water has been analyzed and found to be approximately 3.3g, not 2g, which is the predicted value from an added mass analysis based on potentialflow theory.