Experimental investigations of bubble dynamics in homogeneous shear turbulence

The idealized case of homogeneous isotropic turbulence is central to turbulence theory, but it seldom occurs in chemical or biological reactors. Instead, such reactors commonly experience flows induced by impellers that generate strong, sustained mean shear, significantly impacting bubble and oil breakup processes. The specific effect of persistent mean shear on bubble dynamics remains unclear. In this study, we experimentally reconstruct the 3D morphology of bubbles and their surrounding flow field. The effects of mean shear and local turbulence on bubble deformation are systematically analyzed and compared, including their individual impacts on bubble lift forces. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms governing bubble dynamics and emulsion formation in turbulent shear flows, with important implications for the optimization of industrial mixing and reaction processes.