Bubble Dynamics in Power-Law Non-Newtonian Fluids

This work is a theoretical investigation of the response of a tiny spherical vapor bubble to an imposed pressure field when the bubble is surrounded by a non-Newtonian fluid of the power-law type. In the equation governing the bubble dynamics, the ambient pressure was allowed to rise suddenly from a value below the vapor pressure to an atmospheric level. Having solved the governing equation numerically, the effect of surface tension, viscosity, and fluid’ rheological parameters was investigated on the bubble radius as a function of time. It was found that a rise in fluid’s surface tension and viscosity has a minimal effect on bubble dynamics whereas fluid’s rheological properties can significantly affect its growth and collapse.

Keywords:

Cavitation , Polymer , Power-law model , non-Newtonian fluids