Electrohydrodynamics of Three-Dimensional Vesicles: A Numerical Approach

2018

Computers & Fluids

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In many interfacial flow systems, variations of surface properties lead to novel and interesting behaviors. In this work a three-dimensional model of flow dynamics for multicomponent vesicles is presented. The surface composition is modeled using a two-phase surface Cahn-Hilliard system, while the interface is captured using a level set jet scheme. The interface is coupled to the surrounding fluid via a variation of energy approach. Sample energies considered include the total bending, variable surface tension energy, and phase segregation energy. The fully coupled system for surface inhomogeneities, and thus varying interface material properties is presented, as are the associated numerical methods. Numerical convergence and sample results demonstrate the validity of the model.

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling of multicomponent three-dimensional vesicles

Gera

2018

Computers & Fluids

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“…In an intermediate dynamic, called breathing or trembling, vesicles have large periodic deformations while also undergoing a tumbling like dynamic. Recent theoretical work has demonstrated that the application of a DC electric field can be used to disrupt this behavior [16]. Knowledge about the influence of controllable fields on the dynamics of vesicles in externally driven fluid flows is crucial to advance vesicle-based technologies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dynamics of three-dimensional vesicles in dc electric fields

Kolahdouz

2015

Phys. Rev. E

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A numerical and systematic parameter study of three-dimensional vesicle electrohydrodynamics is presented to investigate the effects of varying electric field strength and different fluid and membrane properties. The dynamics of vesicles in the presence of DC electric fields is considered, both in the presence and absence of linear shear flow. For suspended vesicles it is shown that the conductivity ratio and viscosity ratio between the interior and exterior fluids, as well as the vesicle membrane capacitance, substantially affect the minimum electric field strength required to induce a full ProlateOblate-Prolate transition. In addition, there exists a critical electric field strength above which a vesicle will no longer tumble when exposed to linear shear flow.

“…Complete details of the method including convergence study can be found in Kolahdouz et al. [17]. For more details on the algorithm used to couple the system, readers are referred to Gera et al [30].…”

Section: E Numerical Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Three-dimensional multicomponent vesicles: dynamics and influence of material properties

Gera

2018

Soft Matter

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In this work, the nonlinear hydrodynamics of a three-dimensional multicomponent vesicle in shear flow are explored. Using a volume- and area-conserving projection method coupled to a gradient-augmented level set and surface phase field method, the dynamics are systematically studied as a function of the membrane bending rigidity difference between the components, the speed of diffusion compared to the underlying shear flow, and the strength of the phase domain energy compared to the bending energy. Using a pre-segregated vesicle, three dynamics are observed: stationary phase, phase-treading, and a new dynamic called vertical banding. These regimes are very sensitive to the strength of the domain line energy, as the vertical banding regime is not observed when the line energy is larger than the bending energy. The findings demonstrate that a complete understanding of multicomponent vesicle dynamics requires that the full three-dimensional system be modeled, and show the complexity obtained when considering heterogeneous material properties.