Flow onset for a single bubble in a yield-stress fluid
Ali Pourzahedi, Emad Chaparian, A. Roustaei, I.A. Frigaard
Abstract
We use computational methods to determine the minimal yield stress required in order to hold static a buoyant bubble in a yield-stress liquid. The static limit is governed by the bubble shape, the dimensionless surface tension ( $\gamma$ ) and the ratio of the yield stress to the buoyancy stress ( $Y$ ). For a given geometry, bubbles are static for $Y > Y_c$ , which we determine for a range of shapes. Given that surface tension is negligible, long prolate bubbles require larger yield stress to hold static compared with oblate bubbles. Non-zero $\gamma$ increases $Y_c$ and for large $\gamma$ the yield-capillary number ( $Y/\gamma$ ) determines the static boundary. In this limit, although bubble shape is important, bubble orientation is not. Two-dimensional planar and axisymmetric bubbles are studied.