The Motion of Bubbles and Drops in Reduced Gravity

This 2001 book provides a thorough review of the motion of bubbles and drops in reduced gravity.

R. Shankar Subramanian (Author), R. Balasubramaniam (Author)

9780521019484, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 8 September 2005

488 pages, 136 b/w illus. 14 tables
26.1 x 18.2 x 2.7 cm, 1.005 kg

'Looking at the structure and contents of this book, it may be termed very useful both for students and researchers working in the field … The physical basis of the whole subject … are presented on the first 42 pages of the book in a very condensed and comprehensive form so that all details and their discussions presented in the rest of the book are easy to follow and to understand. The solutions given for numerous problems in the covered field are excellently presented in a ready-to-use form. The 17-pages list of references … facilitates access to 'classical' as well as to latest related work, reflects well the current state of research … The book is highly recommended to the scientific community working on transport phenomena in surface-tension-driven bubble or drop motion.' Chemie Ingenieur Technik

Orbiting spacecraft provide a valuable laboratory for experiments on physical and biological systems in a reduced gravity environment. Materials processing experiments have commonly involved the growth of crystals from the melt or solution, and the processing of alloys and composites. Biological experiments have been performed on a variety of subjects, including protein crystal growth, bio-reactors, and the adaptation of humans to extended periods of weightlessness. In these studies, fluid masses containing bubbles and drops are encountered routinely. This 2001 book provides a clear, thorough review of the motion of bubbles and drops in reduced gravity, particularly motion caused by variations in interfacial tension arising from temperature gradients on their surfaces. The emphasis is on theoretical analysis from first principles; experimental results are discussed and compared with predictions where appropriate. Students and researchers interested in fluid mechanics in reduced gravity will welcome this state-of-the-art reference.

Part I. Introduction: 1. The role of gravity and interfacial tension in the motion of bubbles and drops
2. The governing equations
Part II. The Motion of Isolated Bubbles and Drops: 3. Motion driven by a body force
4. Thermocapillary motion
Part III. Interactions of Bubbles and Drops: 5. General solutions
6. Interactions when motion is driven by a body force
7. Interactions when motion is driven by thermocapillarity
Part IV. Related Topics: 8. Mass transfer between a bubble or drop and a continuous phase
9. Motion driven by the interface in a body of fluid
References.

Subject Areas: Aerospace & aviation technology [TRP], Mechanics of fluids [TGMF], Industrial chemistry [TDC], Cellular biology [cytology PSF]