Dynamics of double emulsion interfaces under the combined effects of electric field and shear flow

Abstract

In this paper, the dynamics of a 2D double emulsion under the combined effects of the electric field and shear flow are studied by using an incompressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics (ISPH) method. Six different systems are used, each corresponding to different electrical properties. The effects of capillary and electrical capillary numbers, and core to shell radius ratio on the deformation and orientation angle of core and shell droplets are discussed thoroughly. It is shown that the deformation is highly dependent on these values, as well as the electrical properties. Electric force components and hydrodynamic stresses on the core-shell and shell-medium interfaces are calculated and discussed in detail. It is demonstrated that in some systems, a breakup occurs, which can be circumvented by changing the capillary and electrical capillary numbers as well as the core to shell droplet radius ratio. Finally, different breakup forms are investigated comprehensively.