Pinch-off dynamics for a Newtonian liquid thread draining in a viscoplastic medium

Abstract

The pinch-off dynamics of a Newtonian liquid thread embedded in a viscoplastic medium is investigated using direct numerical simulations and theory. Thread breakup occurs below a nearly universal threshold set by the balance of capillary and yield stresses, largely independent of the viscosity ratio at low Ohnesorge numbers. Regime maps in the Ohnesorge-plastocapillary number plane reveal distinct boundaries, and scaling analysis captures the minimum thread radius in excellent agreement with simulations. These results provide a predictive framework for thread dynamics in complex fluids and highlight the role of stress localization in viscoplastic environments. The obtained insights are relevant for embedded additive manufacturing and other technologies involving fluid threads in complex media.