Theory of circulatory motions in a bubbling layer (Q1091909)

We consider the class of rectilinearly parallel motions in the developed section of a vertical layer in the presence of uniform supply of gas at an infinitely distant section. On the basis of the equations of continuity and motion for the case of steady creeping motions of the liquid we obtain a variational principle by means of which the two- dimensional problem of the motion of the phases can be solved. We show that if the gas content exceeds a critical value, then besides the trivial solution corresponding to mechanical equilibrium of the layer there exists a family of solutions describing finite-amplitude motions on the scale of the diameter and height of the layer.