Droplet Shape and Drag Coefficients in Non‐Newtonian Fluids: A Review

Abstract

The motion of droplets in non‐Newtonian fluids is widely present in ubiquitous industrial processes. Understanding the droplet motion characteristics is important for optimizing the design of related processes. Here the progress in the research on the droplet motion characteristics in non‐Newtonian fluids is reviewed. The mechanism of droplet deformation in non‐Newtonian fluids were elucidated, the influence of different rheological properties on droplet shape was discussed, and the empirical correlations of droplet aspect ratio were summarized. Moreover, the dimensionless correlations of drag coefficient were discussed. There are relatively few drag coefficient correlations of droplets in non‐Newtonian fluids, while the correlation of drag coefficients of bubbles in non‐Newtonian fluids can provide some reference. Finally, the possible prospects for future studies of the subject were proposed.

A New Solution of Drag for Newtonian Fluid Droplets in a Power-Law Fluid

“…The approaches to the analytical modeling of the motion of droplets, particles, and bubbles in non-Newtonian liquids were summarized with emphasis on the non-Newtonian models and their effects [3]. More recently, the studies on the behaviors of drop motions through non-Newtonian fluids have been reviewed [4].…”