Flow onset for a single bubble in a yield-stress fluid

We use computational methods to determine the minimal yield stress required in order to hold static a buoyant bubble in a yield-stress liquid. The static limit is governed by the bubble shape, the dimensionless surface tension and the ratio of the yield stress to the buoyancy stress . For a given geometry, bubbles are static for Y_c]]>, which we determine for a range of shapes. Given that surface tension is negligible, long prolate bubbles require larger yield stress to hold static compared with oblate bubbles. Non-zero increases and for large the yield-capillary number determines the static boundary. In this limit, although bubble shape is important, bubble orientation is not. Two-dimensional planar and axisymmetric bubbles are studied