A R 2005 Free-lagrange simulations of shock-bubble interaction in extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Abstract. A Free-Lagrange CFD code is used to model the near-¯eld interactions between a lithotripter shock wave and a single spherical air bubble in water in axisym-metric form. The shock wave interaction causes the bubble to collapse and undergo jetting which consequently generates a blast wave into the surrounding water due to a liquid-liquid impact. Following impact, the bubble attains a toroidal shape and un-dergoes subsequent expansion and collapse. A detailed description of the shock/bubble interaction event is given, which includes both primary and secondary collapse. Near-¯eld pressure-time histories are presented.