Motion Dynamics of a Bubble in An Inclined Channel at Finite Reynolds Numbers

The movement of bubbles on inclined surfaces, such as inclined channels, has numerous scientific and industrial applications. In the present study, a three-dimensional study of the lateral motion of a bubble within an inclined channel due to the pressure gradient (Poiseuille flow) in the presence of gravity force is investigated. The Navier-Stokes equations are solved numerically using the finite difference/front tracking method. This method is a combination of drop capture and tracking methods. The results demonstrate that the dimensionless velocity in the flow direction is enhanced with the capillary number. Also, as the channel inclination angle increases, the amount of gravitational force in the direction of the flow ( ) increases and the amount of gravitational force in the direction perpendicular to the flow ( ) decreases, and the bubble becomes closer to the channel center. It is found that the axial velocity of the bubble increases with the channel inclination angle.