The effects of coupling and bubble size on the dynamical-systems behaviour of a small cluster of microbubbles

Abstract

This study endeavours to apply a theoretical model for predicting the dynamics of a bubble cluster of various sizes, within which each bubble may assume different initial conditions from other bubbles in the cluster. The resulting system of coupled Keller-Miksis-Parlitz equations are solved numerically, and the effects of coupling and bubble size on bubble cluster dynamics are examined for a given set of ultrasound parameters. It has been found that the effects of coupling are significant, and a bubble cluster's bifurcation characteristics and route to chaos can be altered by inter-bubble interactions. This gives rise to the possibility of suppressing the chaotic oscillations of microbubbles..