Role of inertia in two-dimensional deformation and breakup of a droplet

Abstract

We investigate by Lattice Boltzmann methods the effect of inertia on the deformation and break-up of a two-dimensional fluid droplet surrounded by fluid of equal viscosity (in a confined geometry) whose shear rate is increased very slowly. We give evidence that in two dimensions inertia is {\em necessary} for break-up, so that at zero Reynolds number the droplet deforms indefinitely without breaking. We identify two different routes to breakup via two-lobed and three-lobed structures respectively, and give evidence for a sharp transition between these routes as parameters are varied.