Newtonian drop in a Newtonian matrix subjected to large amplitude oscillatory shear flows

Abstract

The dynamics of a single Newtonian drop immersed in a Newtonian matrix subjected to large-amplitude oscillatory shear flow is investigated. The ratio of the drop and matrix viscosity is above criticality, and thus break-up is absent under constant shear flow. At small forcing amplitudes the drop shape follows a “regular” oscillation. As the forcing amplitude increases, multipeaked oscillations of drop shape and orientation are observed. Experimental results are compared with predictions obtained with a phenomenological model. Model predictions are in qualitative good agreement with experimental data. The model suggests that the appearance of higher harmonics in the drop response is mainly due to flow nonaffinity.