The stability of the surface of a cavitation bubble

Abstract

ABSTRACTA theoretical examination is made of the stability of a spherical interface between two inviscid liquids accelerated radially from rest. If surface tension be neglected, it is found that the interface is unstable or stable according as the acceleration is directed towards or away from the liquid of greater density. Surface tension has a marked stabilizing effect, and numerical results are given for the minimum outward acceleration required to destroy the equilibrium of the surface of a cavity formed in water. These results are suggested as a possible explanation of the behaviour of cavitation bubbles seen to form near a fixed object under test in a water tunnel.