Numerical Investigation on the Effect of Reynolds Number on the Droplet Bypass Through T-Junction Using Lattice Boltzmann Method

An effort has been made using lattice Boltzmann method to study the interfacial dynamics of a lighter liquid droplet (kerosene) in the high density liquid (water) bulk of the fluid flow, inside a T-channel with the variation of the Reynolds number. Droplet is kept in the vertical arm of the T-channel. Diffused interface concept has been used to capture the complex interface structure. Reynolds number of the fluid is varied in both horizontal and vertical arms. It is observed that with the increase of the Reynolds number in the horizontal arm, thickness of the droplet decreases and elongation of the droplet increases after the T-junction. The increase of Reynolds number in the vertical arm leads to an increase in the thickness of the droplet and a decrease in the elongation of the droplet after the T-junction. It is also observed that the tail end of the droplet is more bifurcated and sharper in the vertical arm as it approaches the T-junction.