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Updated: Mar 18, 2026

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Droplet breakup against an isolated obstacle.

David J Meer1, Shivnag Sista2, Mark D Shattuck3

  • 1Department of Physics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. dmeer@emory.edu.

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Summary

This study reveals droplet breakup dynamics in microfluidics. Droplet breakup probability increases with flow velocity, size, and collision symmetry, predictable by a new breakup number (Bk).

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Area of Science:

  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Microfluidics
  • Particle Physics

Background:

  • Understanding droplet behavior in microfluidic devices is crucial for various applications.
  • Flow-driven interactions with obstacles can lead to droplet breakup or passage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the factors influencing single droplet breakup during flow-driven interactions with a circular obstacle.
  • To develop a predictive model for droplet breakup likelihood.

Main Methods:

  • Combined experimental and simulation approaches.
  • Utilized quasi-two-dimensional microfluidic chambers.
  • Employed discrete element method (DEM) simulations with a deformable particle model.

Main Results:

  • Droplet breakup is favored by higher flow velocity, larger droplet size, lower surface tension, and head-on collisions.
  • Increased chamber height enhances the likelihood of droplet-obstacle collision breakup.
  • A nondimensional breakup number (Bk ~ Capillary number) was defined, predicting a transition from no breakup (Bk << 1) to consistent breakup (Bk >> 1).
  • Bk correlates with collision symmetry (S), indicating a minimum symmetry threshold for breakup.

Conclusions:

  • Droplet breakup in microfluidic flow is governed by a combination of fluid properties, geometry, and collision dynamics.
  • The developed breakup number (Bk) provides a quantitative measure to predict droplet breakup events.
  • Collision symmetry plays a critical role in determining the minimum conditions required for droplet breakup.