Deformation and breakup of a non-Newtonian drop in microgravity environments

Abstract

The deformation and breakup of a non-Newtonian slender drop in a Newtonian liquid in a simple extensional and creeping flow has been theoretically studied. The power law was chosen for the fluid inside the drop, and the deformation of the drop is described by a single ordinary differential equation, which was numerically solved. Asymptotic analytical expressions for the local radius were derived near the center and close to the end of the drop. The results for the shape of the drop and the breakup criterion are presented as a function of the capillary number, the viscosity ratio and type of non-Newtonian fluid inside the drop. An approximated analytical solution is also suggested which is in good agreement with the numerical results. Copyright © 2003 by the International Astronautical Federation. All rights reserved.