The Motion of High-Reynolds-Number Bubbles in Inhomogeneous Flows

Predicting the motion of bubbles in dispersed flows is a key problem in fluid mechanics that has a bearing on a wide range of applications from oceanography to chemical engineering. In this review we synthesize the recent progress made in describing bubble motion in inhomogeneous flow. A trident approach consisting of experimental, analytical, and numerical work has given a clearer description of the hydrodynamic forces experienced by isolated bubbles moving either in inviscid flows or in slightly viscous laminar flows. A significant part of the paper is devoted to a discussion of drag, added-mass force, and shear-induced lift experienced by spheroidal bubbles moving in inertially dominated, time-dependent, rotational, nonuniform flows. The important influence of surfactants and shape distortion on bubble motion in a quiescent liquid is highlighted. Examples of bubble motion in inhomogeneous flows combining several of the effects mentioned above are discussed.