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Phase synchronization of fluid-fluid interfaces as hydrodynamically coupled oscillators

Author

Listed:
  • Eujin Um

    (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST))

  • Minjun Kim

    (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST))

  • Hyoungsoo Kim

    (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST))

  • Joo H. Kang

    (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST))

  • Howard A. Stone

    (Princeton University)

  • Joonwoo Jeong

    (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST))

Abstract

Hydrodynamic interactions play a role in synchronized motions of coupled oscillators in fluids, and understanding the mechanism will facilitate development of applications in fluid mechanics. For example, synchronization phenomenon in two-phase flow will benefit the design of future microfluidic devices, allowing spatiotemporal control of microdroplet generation without additional integration of control elements. In this work, utilizing a characteristic oscillation of adjacent interfaces between two immiscible fluids in a microfluidic platform, we discover that the system can act as a coupled oscillator, notably showing spontaneous in-phase synchronization of droplet breakup. With this observation of in-phase synchronization, the coupled droplet generator exhibits a complete set of modes of coupled oscillators, including out-of-phase synchronization and nonsynchronous modes. We present a theoretical model to elucidate how a negative feedback mechanism, tied to the distance between the interfaces, induces the in-phase synchronization. We also identify the criterion for the transition from in-phase to out-of-phase oscillations.

Suggested Citation

  • Eujin Um & Minjun Kim & Hyoungsoo Kim & Joo H. Kang & Howard A. Stone & Joonwoo Jeong, 2020. "Phase synchronization of fluid-fluid interfaces as hydrodynamically coupled oscillators," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-18930-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18930-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Sihan Tang & Jiang Gong & Yunsong Shi & Shifeng Wen & Qiang Zhao, 2022. "Spontaneous water-on-water spreading of polyelectrolyte membranes inspired by skin formation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, December.

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