Droplet dynamics in a bifurcating channel

• Published in: International journal of multiphase flow Vol. 36; no. 5; pp. 397 - 405
• Main Authors: Carlson, A., Do-Quang, M., Amberg, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Bifurcating channels; Bifurcations; Breakup; Cahn-Hilliard; Channels; deposition; Droplet dynamics; Droplets; Drops and bubbles; Dynamic tests; Dynamics; Engineering mechanics; Exact sciences and technology; flows; Flows in ducts, channels, nozzles, and conduits; fluid; Fluid dynamics; Fluid mechanics; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Multiphase flow; networks; Nonhomogeneous flows; Passive breakup; Physics; Rayleigh-Plateau instability; simulations; Splitting; Strömningsmekanik; system; TECHNOLOGY; TEKNIKVETENSKAP; Teknisk mekanik; time; transport; tubes; Wetting; Droplet dynamics; Passive breakup; Wetting; Rayleigh–Plateau instability; Cahn–Hilliard; Bifurcating channels; Rayleigh―Plateau instability; Ruptures; Pipe flow; Digital simulation; Y shape; Finite element method; Flow regime; Dynamics; Cahn Hilliard equation; Droplets; Modelling; Branching pipe; Cahn-Hilliard; Navier-Stokes equations
• ISSN: 0301-9322; 1879-3533; 1879-3533
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2010.01.002

In the present paper we present a phenomenological description of droplet dynamics in a bifurcating channel that is based on three-dimensional numerical experiments using the Phase Field theory. Droplet dynamics is investigated in a junction, which has symmetric outflow conditions in its daughter branches. We identify two different flow regimes as the droplets interact with the tip of the bifurcation, splitting and non-splitting. A distinct criterion for the flow regime transition is found based on the initial droplet volume and the Capillary ( Ca) number. The Rayleigh–Plateau instability is identified as a driving mechanism for the droplet breakup close to the threshold between the splitting and non-splitting regime.