Dynamic characteristics of suspended particles influenced by cavitation bubble in a free field

This study investigates the dynamic characteristics of suspended particles in a free field under the influence of a single cavitation bubble. The phenomenon of suspended particles being influenced by cavitation bubbles of comparable size reflects the dynamic characteristics of particles, a common occurrence in both hydraulic machinery and biopharmaceutical fields. A high-speed camera captures the process of a single cavitation bubble interacting with suspended particles. Combined with three-dimensional numerical simulations, the motion states of suspended particles as the cavitation bubble expands and contracts are analyzed. Observations reveal that at various initial distances between suspended particles and the cavitation bubble, suspended particle motion is consistently influenced by the expansion and contraction of the same cavitation bubble during the initial four processes. The particle motion direction is parallel to the propagation direction of the radiation force produced during the expansion and collapse of the cavitation bubble, consistent with the characteristics of motion under longitudinal wave effects. The initial distance between suspended particles and the cavitation bubble dictates the ultimate displacement direction of suspended particles, with the influence of the cavitation bubble on suspended particle velocity weakening as their distance increases. Under conditions where particle size closely matches that of the bubble, the jet produced by the cavitation bubble does not significantly accelerate particles, and the influence of the jet on suspended particle motion states could be disregarded. The investigation reveals that the suspended particles are primarily influenced by the radiation force, drag force, and virtual mass force exerted by the cavitation bubble.