Resonant acoustic scattering by two spherical bubbles

The mutual interaction between two close bubbles in an acoustic field is studied. This interaction is modeled in the linear framework of the multiple scattering theory using spherical harmonics expansions and the addition theorem. In order to deal with small as well as large bubbles, viscous dissipation in the liquid, thermal dissipation in the gas, and surface tension are taken into account in the calculations of the scattering coefficients of a unique bubble. Under the assumption of the long wavelengths, the scattering coefficient of the monopolar mode is linked to the one obtained by using the Rayleigh-Plesset equation. The exact characteristic equation providing the symmetric and antisymmetric resonances of the two bubbles is established. Numerical results show that a great number of modes of vibration is required to describe the acoustic field around the bubbles. Moreover, whatever the spacing between two identical bubbles, the scattering cross section has a maximum value at the frequency of the symmetric mode while the antisymmetric mode is not detected. However, the strengthening of the scattering observed close to the symmetric resonance frequency is clearly due to the presence of the antisymmetric mode.