Deformation and initial breakup morphology of viscous emulsion drops in isotropic homogeneous turbulence with relevance for emulsification devices

This study uses numerical experiments to investigate initial breakup morphology for conditions similar to those experienced in an emulsification device (e.g., a high-pressure homogenizer) (Reλ = 33, We = 1–30, μD/μC = 22, ρD/ρC = 0.9, D/η = 22). Results show breakup consisting of two phases: and ‘oscillatory phase’ where the drops are periodically deforming and relaxing, followed by a ‘critical deformation phase’ where the drop deforms continuously until initial breakup. Large drops (We ≥ 13) go directly to the breakup phase and are highly deformed in multiple direction before bursting. Smaller drops (3 ≤ We ≤ 5) are less likely to go directly to the critical deformation phase and more likely to never reach it before exiting the device. These drops break by the formation of a single filament, creating two large fragments and a number of smaller satellites. Several turbulent structures contribute to critical deformation.