LAUSR

Abstract The interactions of the bubbles in a loosely packed bubbly flow in a high viscous fluid approaching a pore space are studied using a shadowgraph imaging technique. The motion of the bubbles has been evaluated by considering shape analysis of their deformation and the variation in the velocity and pressure distribution of the phase. A comparison of two cases of a linear array and a matrix of bubbles emphasizes the importance of the arrangement on the deformation and motion of the dispersed phase in the pore space. The deformation of the bubbles in both cases results in a deceleration and acceleration process of the dispersed phase in the pore region. This process was a function of size, number of the bubbles competing in the pore throat and the arrangement of the competing bubbles. The variation in the motion of the dispersed phase will ultimately lead to different flow motion and phenomena at the entrance of the pore throat. The results also highlight that although bubbles had different motion approaching the pore throat, they follow similar deformation transition as they enter and exit the pore throat. This work contributes to existing knowledge of multi-phase flow in pore space by providing further understanding the effect of the interaction of phases based on the arrangement and their motion in a porous geometry. Graphic abstract