A Lattice Boltzmann Model of Ternary Fluid Mixtures

TL;DR

This paper introduces a lattice Boltzmann model for simulating ternary oil-water-surfactant mixtures, capturing diffusive and hydrodynamic behaviors, and demonstrating spontaneous emulsification influenced by surfactant diffusion and fluid viscosity.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel lattice Boltzmann model incorporating Ginzburg-Landau free energy for ternary mixtures, including surfactant effects and dynamic emulsification processes.

Findings

Surfactant diffuses to oil-water interfaces, reducing surface tension.

Emulsification rate depends on fluid viscosity.

Model successfully simulates spontaneous emulsification phenomena.

Abstract

A lattice Boltzmann model is introduced which simulates oil-water-surfactant mixtures. The model is based on a Ginzburg-Landau free energy with two scalar order parameters. Diffusive and hydrodynamic transport is included. Results are presented showing how the surfactant diffuses to the oil-water interfaces thus lowering the surface tension and leading to spontaneous emulsification. The rate of emulsification depends on the viscosity of the ternary fluid.