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Dynamics of polydisperse multiple emulsions in microfluidic channels
A Tiribocchi1, A Montessori1, M Durve2
1Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo CNR, via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy.
Physical Review. E
|January 15, 2022
Summary
Lattice Boltzmann simulations reveal how polydisperse double emulsions behave in microfluidic channels. Their dynamics depend on factors like polydispersity and area fraction, leading to varied arrangements and motions.
Area of Science:
- Soft matter physics
- Fluid dynamics
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Multiple emulsions are complex fluids with internal droplets stabilized by surfactants.
- Previous work showed monodisperse emulsions form diverse nonequilibrium states under flow.
- Understanding polydisperse systems is crucial for controlling emulsion behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamics of polydisperse double emulsions in a microfluidic channel under Poiseuille flow.
- To identify key factors influencing the emergent steady states of these emulsions.
- To analyze the role of capsule deformation in state selection.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing lattice Boltzmann simulations to model fluid dynamics and droplet interactions.
- Simulating polydisperse double emulsions driven by pressure-gradient flow.
- Analyzing droplet behavior based on initial position, polydispersity index, and area fraction.
Main Results:
- Emulsion dynamics are critically affected by initial position, polydispersity, and area fraction.
- At low area fractions, drops exhibit rotational motion or form nonmotile configurations.
- At high area fractions, drops form tight, unidirectionally moving clusters.
- Capsule shape changes influence the formation of specific motile and nonmotile states.
Conclusions:
- The behavior of polydisperse double emulsions in flow is highly sensitive to system parameters.
- Distinct dynamical regimes emerge based on droplet concentration and polydispersity.
- Capsule deformability plays a significant role in selecting emergent nonequilibrium states.
