Multiple bubble propagation modes in elasto-rigid models of airway reopening

Abstract eng:
We study experimentally the effect of vessel compliance on the propagation of a two-phase flow in a confined geometry. The experimental set-up consists of a rigid, thin-gapped rectangular channel topped with an elastic membrane. The injection of air in the oil-filled channel leads to the steady propagation of an air finger. Depending on the initial profile of the membrane and the bubble speed, different propagation modes can be observed, characterized by the bubble shape and pressure. We show that for weakly collapsed membrane shapes, the propagation mode is predominantly governed by the dynamic local membrane vertical displacement at the bubble tip, whereas for strong levels of initial collapse the initial (static) non-uniform channel cross-section plays a major role.

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