Bubble dynamics in fluids with N-body simulations

Abstract

We present a new approach to studies of bubble dynamics in fluids. Relying on particle-based simulations, this method is general and suitable for cases where the commonly used perfect fluid description fails. We study expanding true vacuum bubbles surrounded by free or self-interacting particles and quantify how self-interactions affect the terminal bubble wall velocity. We find that, for sufficiently strongly self-interacting fluids, local thermal equilibrium is maintained around the bubble wall and the fluid profile is similar to that obtained with the perfect fluid description.