DYNAMICS OF LASER-INDUCED CAVITATION BUBBLES IN POLYMER-SOLUTIONS

The behaviour of laser-induced cavitation bubbles in polymer solutions with different rheological properties has been investigated by means of high-speed photography and compared with the behaviour of bubbles i n water. In the case of an unbounded liquid, the dynamics can be descr ibed with Gilmore's model neglecting the non-Neutonian effects. In con trast to the dynamics of spherical bubbles. the effect of polymer addi tives is more evident for bubbles situated in the neighbourhood of a s olid boundary. The intensity of the re-entering jet is diminished and even suppressed by the additives.