Theory of the Antibubble Collapse

TL;DR

This paper develops a theoretical model for the collapse of punctured antibubbles, describing the rim dynamics with high Reynolds number hydrodynamics and validating it against experimental data.

Contribution

It introduces a new collapse equation for antibubbles that accounts for non-potential flow and rim velocity decay, aligning theory with experiments.

Findings

Rim velocity decreases over time during collapse.

Collapse dynamics are governed by surface tension and hydrodynamic drag.

Theoretical predictions match experimental observations.

Abstract

A theory of the collapse of a punctured antibubble is developed. The motion of the rim of air formed at the edge of the collapsing air film cannot be described by a potential flow and is characterized by high Reynolds numbers. The rim velocity is not constant but gradually decreases with time and is determined by the balance between the surface tension and hydrodynamic drag forces. A collapse equation is derived and solved. The agreement between the theory and existing experiments is shown.