Solving the Rising Bubble Problem using Bernoulli's Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a spherical bubble rising in water, where Bernoulli's equation is applied to determine the rate of rise of the bubble. The original poster attempts to derive the expression for the velocity of the bubble using Bernoulli's principles and potential flow concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of Bernoulli's equation at the stagnation point of the bubble and question the derivation of the factor of 2/3 in the velocity expression. There are attempts to integrate over the angle theta and explore the implications of boundary layers on flow velocity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing suggestions and exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding integration and the role of the angle theta, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need to consider the gravitational force as a function of the angle from the vertical axis and discuss the implications of integrating over the bubble's surface. There is mention of assumptions made regarding small angles in the context of the problem.

LoopQG
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Homework Statement



Consider a spherical bubble of radius R,rising in water. Using Bernoulli's equation show that the rate of rise of the bubble is:

U=(2/3) \sqrt(gR)


Homework Equations



Bernoulli Equation
Potential Flow



The Attempt at a Solution



I have considered the problem from the bubble's frame so the rate of rise is just the velocity of the uniform flow around the sphere. I know that there is a stagnation point right at the top of the bubble. So Taking Bernoulli's at points on either side of the stagnation point is what I have been doing but I must be setting it up wrong because i don't see where to get that 2/3 from. Any help appreciated.

From Bernoulli's i get:

U= \sqrt(2gR(1-cos(\theta)))
 
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Try integrating over theta. :)
 
Do you mean take dU/d\theta

which equals

\sqrt(2gR)(1/2)(1-cos(\theta))^(-1/2) sin(\theta)

but then integrating that don't i just get the same thing back?

If not at what point should I consider integrating. I see where you are going with this because the flow velocity is zero at the boundary layers but I just am not sure how to apply it. Thanks for the help!
 
What does theta in your Bernoulli equation stand for?
 
The angle from the vertical axis of the sphere, grcos(\theta) is the gravitational force at that point
 
LoopQG said:
The angle from the vertical axis of the sphere, grcos(\theta) is the gravitational force at that point

So to get the total force you would have to integrate over the entire surface? :)
 
Thanks a lot for the help, I ended up assuming a small \theta then expnding and I get the right answer.
 

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