RUI: Path instabilities of air bubbles rising in fluids

Occidental College, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract CTS-0121340 M. Wu, Occidental College It is proposed to carry out experimental studies to extend our understanding of the physical mechanisms responsible for the instabilities in the path of rising air bubbles in a liquid. Such motion is encountered in a number of industrial processes and geophysical phenomena. The PI proposes to develop a novel three-dimensional imaging system that would allow precise measurements of the bubble trajectories in the neighborhood of the instability point. Results of some preliminary experiments show two distinct paths of rise depending on the rising velocity. It is expected that with the 3D imaging system, more accurate data will be obtained.