Liquids with vapour bubbles

We propose a model for liquids with bubbles calling upon the theory of continua with microstructure. In addition to the contraction and expansion of bubbles due to pressure already included in models available in the literature on such continua, we take into account possible phase changes at the bubble surfaces. To begin with, we consider here the simplest constitutive assumptions for both phases: a perfect incompressible fluid and a perfect gas. Furthermore we assume temperature to be constant and uniform within each bubble and in the fluid next to it. The model introduces the subject of configurational forces that are dual to microvelocities, leading to a generalization of the Rayleigh-Plesset bubble dynamics. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.