Numerical simulation of single bubble rising in shear-thinning fluids by level set method

The behavior of single bubble rising in quiescent shear-thinning fluids was investigated numerically by level set method. A number of bubbles in a large range of Reynolds number and Eotvos number were investigated including spherical, oblate and spherical. The bubble shape and drag coefficient were compared with experimental results. It is observed that the simulated results show good conformity to experimental results over a wide range of Reynolds number. In addition, the detailed flow field based on the reference coordinate system moving with the bubble is obtained, and the relationship among flow field, bubble shape and velocity is discussed.