Abstract
On the basis of the space-time conservation element and solution element method and by applying the hybrid particle level-set function, the drop coalescence in a dual-layer vertical channel has been numerically studied. Interactions between the flow field and the drop migration are observed. Main eddies and secondary vortexes induced by the drop coalescence are examined. Deformation and migration of the drop are mainly controlled through interfacial tension and the shear stress gradient. Drop coalescence is related to a viscous dissipation of energy.
Highlights
Drop deformation under confined flows remains one of the big challenges in chemical engineering
A novel conservation element and solution element (CESE) scheme includes the following steps: (1) element discretization, (2) expansion into the time dimension in Euclidian space, (3) definition of the solution element (SE), along which the flow variables can be approximated by the Taylor series, and (4) definition of the conservation element (CE), where the integral form of flow equations can be integrated on the spacetime domain
After the onset of drop deformation and migration under gravity, a momentum is transferred through the upper fluid layer downward the originally static midway-interface
Summary
Drop deformation under confined flows remains one of the big challenges in chemical engineering. Special topics include drop breakup under shear flow,[1] drop cross-stream migration,[2] microreactors in microfluidics,[3] and oil recovery in porous media.[4] These applications need a better understanding of the breakage and coalescence conditions, as well as the internal circulation mixing patterns in droplets[5] with Newtonian fluids. The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), based on a recoloring algorithm for capturing interfaces, has been utilized to investigate influences of capillary number, viscosity ratio, and confinement ratio on drop deformation and breakup in a shear flow.[13]. A mechanism for drop deformation and migration of two-phase immiscible Newtonian fluids in a dual-layer vertical channel (e.g., cavity) is numerically analyzed by using the improved space-time CESE scheme and the hybrid particle level-set function. It is hoped that the numerical results will be a useful reference for enhanced oil recovery by water flooding in geological reservoirs
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