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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Fast Imaging Technique to Study Drop Impact Dynamics of Non-Newtonian Fluids
Published on: March 5, 2014
Fragmentation instability of a liquid drop falling inside a heavier miscible fluid
Paul K Buah-Bassuah1, René Rojas, Stefania Residori
1Physics Department of the University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
This study reveals a novel drop instability where negative density differences cause drops to fall, fragment, and then rise. A new theoretical model accurately predicts the fragmentation and rise-up dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Instability phenomena
- Interfacial science
Background:
- Drop dynamics in immiscible fluids are typically studied with positive density differences.
- Understanding negative density difference phenomena is crucial for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and characterize a novel drop instability driven by negative density differences.
- To develop a theoretical framework for this phenomenon.
Main Methods:
- Experimental observation of drop behavior with negative density differences.
- Development of a theoretical model based on fluid dynamics principles.
Main Results:
- Observed a unique instability: drops fall to a minimum height before fragmenting.
- Secondary droplets were observed to rise to the surface after fragmentation.
- The theoretical model successfully predicted key parameters like rise-up time and minimum height.
Conclusions:
- A new type of drop instability with negative density differences has been identified and described.
- The developed theoretical model provides accurate predictions for the observed phenomenon.
- This research offers insights into fluid behavior under unusual density conditions.
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