A Numerical Model for Three-Dimensional Bubble Dynamics in Complex Flow Configurations

In most practical configurations where cavitation occurs, bubbles are not in a uniform or axisymmetric flow field and existing bubble dynamics models, either spherical or axisymmetric, are only more or less appropriate approximations. In this paper we will describe on-going studies which consider the fully three-dimensional bubble dynamics problem. The interaction between a growing, deforming and collapsing bubble near a boundary and/or in a non-uniform flow field is simulated numerically using a Boundary Integral Method. The collapse of a large bubble near a solid flat plate in a gravity field is considered as a first example. The plate orientation relative to the gravity field significantly influences the three-dimensional bubble shape and behavior. Another not previously solved case considered here is the growth and collapse of a bubble in a vortex line flow. The paper presents the method and shows on examples the influence of the various geometric or flow parameters on the bubble dynamics.