The translation of a Newtonian droplet in a 4-constant Oldroyd fluid (Q1821639)

The viscoelastic correction to the Hadamard-Rybczynski terminal velocity was calculated for the retarded motion translation of a finite viscosity Newtonian droplets in a four-constant Oldroyd fluid. The droplet translational velocity can be enhanced or hindered relative to the Hadamard-Rybczinski value depending upon the degree of shear thinning, and elongational and memory effects in the viscoelastic fluid. Specifically, it is found that for a large droplet viscosity, for which surface mobility is negligible, shear thinning and fluid memory enhance translational motion. At the other extreme, when the droplet surface is very mobile (i.e. for gas bubbles) the translational velocity can be enhanced or hindered relative to the Hadamard-Rybczynski value depending on the relative influence of the memory and the elongational properties of the viscoelastic phase.