title: Path instability of a rising bubble.
abstract: We model the problem of path instability of a rising bubble by considering the bubble as a spheroidal body of fixed shape, and we solve numerically the coupled fluid-body problem. Numerical results show that this model exhibits path instability for large enough values of the control parameters. The corresponding characteristics of the zigzag and spiral paths are in good agreement with experimental observations. Analysis of the vorticity field behind the bubble reveals that a wake instability leading to a double threaded wake is the primary cause of the path instability.
authors.affiliation: Institut de Mécanique des Fluides de Toulouse, UMR CNRS-INPT-UPS 5502, 2, allée du Professeur Camille Soula, 31400 Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mougin
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Magnaudet