ABSTRACT

Fluid particles — bubbles and drops — are ubiquitous in everyday life, both in nature and in technology (Hughes, 1990; Weaire, 1994; Lohse, 2003). The single most important feature of the fluid particles that sets them apart from the rigid particles is their mobile surface and their ability to deform during motion. Indeed, depending upon the relative magnitudes of the forces present in the continuous phase, fluid particles may exhibit a wide variety of shapes. Furthermore, the shape of a fluid particle may change with time and position during the course of its movement in a piece of equipment.