Movement of air bubbles under various liquids using bioinspired conical surfaces.

Gurera, Dev; Bhushan, Bharat

Gas bubbles are of interest in various applications. The study of their movement is of importance. Gas bubbles are typically formed under liquids. Movement of liquid droplets on bioinspired conical surfaces is known to be facilitated by the Laplace pressure gradient. These conical surfaces, with various wettabilities and shapes, can also be used to move gas bubbles. In this study, effect of various liquids on movement of air bubble under liquid was studied. It was found that liquids with high surface tension and high density are more efficient in moving air bubbles. High surface tension and higher density increases the Laplace pressure gradient force and the buoyancy force, respectively, which drive under liquid air bubbles.