Analysis of energy balance during collision of an air bubble with a solid wall

The dynamics of bubble-wall collision is studied by means of numerical simulations to elucidate the mechanism of bubble rebound at a solid, no-slip wall in viscous liquid. Results obtained are compared with experimental data as well as data reported in the literature. Similarities and differences are discussed. Bubble trajectory, shape deformation, added mass variation as a function of distance from the wall, and relations between various forms of energy in the system during bubble impact, liquid film formation, and rebound are presented and analyzed. On the basis of this, collision time is quantitatively defined as a time interval during which pronounced changes of kinetic energy are observed. For a rising bubble colliding with a horizontal wall, series of collisions are observed, each associated with dissipation of kinetic energy, mainly in the thin film formed between the bubble and the wall.