The Interface between Fluid-like and Solid-like Behavior of Two-phase Couette Flow: Bulk Reynolds Number Effects

A finite difference-front tracking method is used to study the motion of deformable drops suspended in a linear shear flow at non-zero Reynolds numbers considering gravity effect. The effects of bulk Reynolds number on the motion of a suspension of drops are studied and the full range of flow behavior, from a stagnant solid-like, through a quasi-static transition zone, to a rapid flow (called fluid-like) are shown. The viscosity of drops is assumed to be equal to that of the suspending medium. The point of transition between fluid-like and solid-like behavior moves to lower regions of channel with increasing the bulk Reynolds number. The effect of the bulk Reynolds number on density distribution of drops and fluctuation energy across the channel are also investigated. For an almost circular of drop, the Capillary number is Ca = ۰.۰۱ and drop behaves like a rigid particle. Present results with capillary number of Ca = ۰.۰۱ are compatible with computer simulations of granular flows.

Keywords:

Shear flow , Reynolds number , Fluctuation energy , Suspension