English

Stretching Folding Instability and Nanoemulsions

Fluid Dynamics 2009-10-19 v1

Abstract

Here we show a folding-stretching instability in a microfluidic flow focusing device using silicon oil (100cSt) and water. The fluid dynamics video demonstrates an oscillating thread of oil focused by two co-flowing streams of water. We show several high-speed sequences of these oscillations with 30,000 frames/s. Once the thread is decelerated in a slower moving pool downstream an instability sets in and water-in-oil droplets are formed. We reveal the details of the pinch-off with 500,000 frames/s. The pinch-off is so repeatable that complex droplet patterns emerge. Some of droplets are below the resolution limit, thus smaller than 1 micrometer in diameter.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.0910.3159,
  title  = {Stretching Folding Instability and Nanoemulsions},
  author = {Chon U. Chan and Claus-Dieter Ohl},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0910.3159},
  year   = {2009}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-21T13:59:21.244Z