Droplet dynamics in a bifurcating channel

In the present paper we present a phenomenological description of droplet dynamics in a bifurcating channel that is based on three-dimensional numerical experiments using the Phase Field theory. Droplet dynamics is investigated in a junction, which has symmetric outflow conditions in its daughter branches. We identify two different flow regimes as the droplets interact with the tip of the bifurcation, splitting and non-splitting. A distinct criterion for the flow regime transition is found based on the initial droplet volume and the Capillary (Ca) number. The Rayleigh Plateau instability is identified as a driving mechanism for the droplet breakup close to the threshold between the splitting and non-splitting regime. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.