Experimental study of the gravity influence on the periodic thermocapillary convection around a bubble

The 3D periodic state, following the steady thermocapillary convection state, around an air bubble immersed in a low-Prandtl-number silicone oil layer under a heated wall was experimentally investigated on the ground and during parabolic flights. This oscillation was observed under reduced gravity conditions for the first time. Consequently, the initiation of this oscillation seems to be independent of gravity and so of buoyancy convection. The reduced and increased gravity conditions showed that the gravity level modifies the oscillation. Its frequency increases with the gravity level. The comparison with the results obtained on the ground shows the bubble aspect ratio is not a relevant parameter when the gravity varies.