Experimental investigation of the effect of ambient pressure on laser-induced bubble dynamics

The effect of ambient pressure on the dynamics of laser-induced bubbles was investigated by a fiber-optic diagnostic technique based on probe beam deflection (PBD). The experimental criterion for judging the maximum bubble radius is modified to the average value of the detecting distances at which the characteristic waveform signals appear. The ambient pressure affects the maximum radius and collapse of bubble strongly. The experimental results indicate that the maximum bubble radius and the collapse time both decrease nonlinearly while the ambient pressure increases linearly, and the decreasing velocities of them are smaller at a larger ambient pressure. The predicted value of collapse time has a good agreement with experiment at larger ambient pressure.

► Experimental criterion for judging maximum bubble radius is modified. ► Maximum radius decreases while the ambient pressure increases. ► Collapse time decreases while the ambient pressure increases. ► Decreasing velocities of them are smaller at a larger ambient pressure.