Single Drop Dynamics under Shearing Flow in Systems with a Viscoelastic Phase

Abstract

Abstract In this article, we discuss the dynamics of a single drop immersed in an immiscible liquid, under an imposed shear flow. The two situations of a viscoelastic matrix with a Newtonian drop and of a viscoelastic drop in a Newtonian matrix are considered, both systems being characterized by a viscosity ratio equal to one, and by the same elasticity parameter. Experimental data are taken with a rheo‐optical computer‐assisted shearing device, allowing for drop observation from the vorticity direction of the shear flow. Data favourably compare with predictions of the recently proposed Maffettone‐Greco model, where the drop is described as a deforming ellipsoid.