ABSTRAKT

A boiling bubble at the verge of detaching from a plane, infinite wall experiences a hydrodynamic force due to its expansion, F_x. Such a bubble is modelled as a pair of spheres with radius R and growth rate R' in inviscid liquid, and F_x is computed using the Lagally theorem. The form of the Lagally theorem used differs in one term from an expression found in the literature. The exact expression for F_x is simplified in order to derive a simple expression that facilitates the prediction of detachment. In the case of diffusion controlled bubble growth, F_x is shown to be approximately given by c₂πρ_LR²R'², where ρ_L is the liquid mass density and c² ~ 1.11. This prediction is compared with experimental fits of the literature.