Numerical study of single-vapor-bubble dynamics in insulating liquids initiated by electrical current pulses

Abstract

In this paper we present a study of the dynamics (growth, collapse, and rebound) of a single bubble (typical radius 1–10 μm) as a function of various parameters: injected energy, hydrostatic pressure (for a wide range 0.1–12 MPa), and several liquid hydrocarbons of different physical properties. It appears that between two rebounds the dominant role is played by liquid inertia. However, rapid damping occurs, and we examine here the influence of both liquid viscosity and acoustic radiation on this mechanism, discarding heat and mass transfers. Two simple models are proposed: the first one, based on a Herring modified model, and the second one, based on the Rayleigh–Plesset equation. The discrepancy with experimental results suggests that further insight must be achieved, taking into account the neglected transfers between vapor and liquid.