Complex Fluids Commons^™

Bubble Growth Behavior In Supersaturated Liquid Solutions, David Robert Cyr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The growth characteristics of gas bubbles in supersaturated liquid solutions were measured in preliminary experiments involving glass bottles followed by more controlled and systematic investigations using a custom designed experimental apparatus. It was proven that the presence of pre-existing gas was responsible for the bubble formation observed. Bubble growth occurred in very regular cyclical patterns at specific locations containing trapped gases. In the custom designed apparatus, liquids could be saturated with gases and supersaturated solutions made by depressurizing the system. Artificial capillaries, pre-seeded with air bubbles, behaved in a similar manner to naturally occurring sites containing pre-existing gases. The apparent …