Rotational flux influenced cusp entrainment in a viscous pool

Abstract

Evolution of entrained gaseous cusp in a viscous liquid pool caused by a fully immersed horizontal revolving circular drum is elucidated thoroughly. Finite volume-based open source Gerris is employed to carry out the numerical simulations. Length [Formula: see text] and width ( H*) of the cusp are characterized thoroughly by varying the strength of rotational flux (measured by the capillary number, Ca) and depth of immersion (submersion height to roller diameter ratio, [Formula: see text]) of the spinning roller. Locus and travel rate of cusp tip are also elaborated from origination to attainment of steady state with the progress of time for different combinations of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We have also reported the bubble ejection mechanism from the advancing end of the cusp after achieving macroscopic steady length. Bubbling frequency and volume accumulation of detached bubbles show strong dependency on [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. Entrainment patterns are also observed by investigating the effect of gravitational pull (measured by employing the Archimedes number, Ar) and viscous drag (specified by using the Morton number, Mo). Correlations are developed to estimate the cusp width ( H*) at different angular locations and steady length of gaseous cusp [Formula: see text], which show satisfactory agreement within ±6%. Finally, an analytical model is proposed to determine the cusp width by using the relevant influencing forces acting on the cusp. A satisfactory agreement is obtained between the analytical solutions and computational results.