Journal of the
Korean Mathematical Society JKMS

We consider the multi-harmonic model for the bubble evolution in the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in two and three dimensions. We extend the multi-harmonic model in two dimensions to a high-order and present a new class of steady-state solutions of the bubble motion. The growth rate of the bubble is expressed by a continuous family of two free parameters. The critical point in the family of solutions is identified as a saddle point and is chosen as the physically significant solution. We also present the multi-harmonic model in the cylindrical geometry and find the steady-state solution of the axisymmetric bubble. Validity and limitation of the model are also discussed.

Keywords: Rayleigh-Taylor instability, multi-harmonic model, bubble, steady-state solution

MSC numbers: Primary 76E17, 76E30