Real-time quantification of fluid flows around bubbles during directional solidification

Abstract

Directional solidification of bubbly liquids plays a critical role in shaping the microstructure and properties of many materials, yet the fluid dynamics governing bubble behavior during solidification remain poorly understood. Using cryo-confocal microscopy and particle image velocimetry, we quantify fluid flows around bubbles during solidification of water containing surfactants and tracers. Our results reveal that volumetric expansion dominates fluid motion, with velocities scaling linearly with the solidification rate (1-20$~μm/s$), while Marangoni flows-hypothesized to play a key role-are negligible ($< 5~μm/s$) under our experimental conditions. Diffusiophoresis and thermophoresis also contribute minimally. These findings challenge existing theoretical models and provide a framework for controlling bubble distribution in solidified materials