The Kinetic and Thermal Expansion of Vapor Bubbles

Abstract

The spherical expansion of vapor bubbles due to the application of either a thermal or a kinetic impulse is examined. There appears to be a wide range of initial and ambient conditions for which the vapor properties approach extremely close to ambient values at the end of the expansion, for both types of impulse. There is also a range of conditions for which the vapor is significantly subcooled at the end of the expansion for both types of impulse. It is postulated that such vapor conditions can cause a more vigorous motion in the subsequent collapse than would be expected for the prevailing ambient conditions.