Surface Tension Gradients on Mixing Processes after Coalescence of Binary Equal-Sized Droplets

Abstract

Numerical simulations on coalescence of binary equal-sized droplets with surface tension gradients are carried out by using the front tracking method. Mixing process of the fluid from each droplet is investigated. The tangential flow caused by the Marangoni effect and the interface replacement by the fluid with small surface tension coefficient are simulated successfully. Asymmetry caused by the surface tension gradients can generate some extent of mixing within the coalesced droplet. The effects of the surface tension gradients and viscosity on the tangential velocity, replacement time of interface and mixing are investigated.