Phase-field modeling droplet dynamics with soluble surfactants

Using lattice Boltzmann approach, a phase-field model is proposed for simulating droplet motion with soluble surfactants. The model can recover the Langmuir and Frumkin adsorption isotherms in equilibrium. From the equilibrium equation of state, we can determine the interfacial tension lowering scal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of computational physics 2010-12, Vol.229 (24), p.9166-9187
Main Authors: Liu, Haihu, Zhang, Yonghao
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adsorption
Breakup
Coalescence
Coalescing
Computational techniques
Deformation
Droplet breakup and coalescence
Droplets
Dynamics
Exact sciences and technology
Frumkin adsorption
Lattice boltzmann model
Marangoni stress
Mathematical methods in physics
Phase-field model
Physics
Soluble surfactant
Surfactants
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Summary:Using lattice Boltzmann approach, a phase-field model is proposed for simulating droplet motion with soluble surfactants. The model can recover the Langmuir and Frumkin adsorption isotherms in equilibrium. From the equilibrium equation of state, we can determine the interfacial tension lowering scale according to the interface surfactant concentration. The model is able to capture short-time and long-time adsorption dynamics of surfactants. We apply the model to examine the effect of soluble surfactants on droplet deformation, breakup and coalescence. The increase of surfactant concentration and attractive lateral interaction can enhance droplet deformation, promote droplet breakup, and inhibit droplet coalescence. We also demonstrate that the Marangoni stresses can reduce the interface mobility and slow down the film drainage process, thus acting as an additional repulsive force to prevent the droplet coalescence.
ISSN:0021-9991
1090-2716
DOI:10.1016/j.jcp.2010.08.031