BUBBLE COALESCENCE DYNAMICS

zCoalescence of electrolytically-generated, 50- to 600-mu m-diameter g as bubbles was observed using an optical technique that employs a line ar photodiode away to detect interface movement with a resolution of 1 0(-6)s. When two bubbles coalesce, the surface energy that is released causes interface velocities of 2 to 4 m/s; these are followed by larg e-amplitude damped oblate-prolate oscillations. Within the viscosity r ange studied, the oscillation period is insensitive to the viscosity a nd damping is insensitive to surface tension, in agreement with a scal ing analysis based on a damped harmonic oscillator. Surface waves are superimposed on the motion. Finite-element solutions of the free-surfa ce, nonlinear Navier-Stokes equations are consistent with the experime nts.