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arXiv · cond-mat/0212540

Role of inertia in two-dimensional deformation and breakup of a droplet

A. J. Wagner·L. M. Wilson·M. E. Cates
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Abstract

We investigate by Lattice Boltzmann methods the effect of inertia on the deformation and break-up of a two-dimensional fluid droplet surrounded by fluid of equal viscosity (in a confined geometry) whose shear rate is increased very slowly. We give evidence that in two dimensions inertia is {\em necessary} for break-up, so that at zero Reynolds number the droplet deforms indefinitely without breaking. We identify two different routes to breakup via two-lobed and three-lobed structures respectively, and give evidence for a sharp transition between these routes as parameters are varied.

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A. J. Wagner, L. M. Wilson, M. E. Cates. 2002-12-20. Role of inertia in two-dimensional deformation and breakup of a droplet. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.68.045301

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