Investigation of the bubble deflection using graphics processing unit accelerated multiple relaxation time lattice Boltzmann method: The effect of bubble size and liquid viscosity

Bubble deflection is important for bubble motion and bubble mass transfer in multiphase reactors. However, the mechanism triggering the instability is controversial. In this study, we first perform a graphics processing unit-accelerated multiple relaxation time lattice Boltzmann method (MRT-LBM) to simulate the motion process of single bubbles (1.8–8.0 mm) freely rising in stationary liquids with different viscosities. Then, we further analyze the influence of the bubble size and liquid viscosity on the characteristics of the time-dependent bubble motion, including the bubble shape, velocity, and deflection, based on the high-precision numerical simulation results. The results show that the formation and shedding of bubble wake vortices are responsible for the oscillation of the bubble shape. The interaction of bubble wake vortices and bubble shape is the primary cause of bubble deflection. Finally, an empirical model, taking into account the bubble acceleration and deflection angle, is developed to characterize the effect of bubble size and liquid viscosity on the drag coefficient of a rising bubble. This study provides insight into the bubble deflection and the bubble dynamics.