Role of inertia in two-dimensional deformation and breakup of a droplet

We investigate by Lattice Boltzmann methods the effect of inertia on the deformation and break-up of a two-dimensional fluid droplet surrounded by fluid of equal viscosity (in a confined geometry) whose shear rate is increased very slowly. We give evidence that in two dimensions inertia is {\em necessary} for break-up, so that at zero Reynolds number the droplet deforms indefinitely without breaking. We identify two different routes to breakup via two-lobed and three-lobed structures respectively, and give evidence for a sharp transition between these routes as parameters are varied.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Phase separating binary fluids under oscillatory shear

We apply lattice Boltzmann methods to study the segregation of binary fluid mixtures under oscillatory shear flow in two dimensions. The algorithm allows to simulate systems whose dynamics is described by the Navier-Stokes and the convection-diffusion equations. The interplay between several time scales produces a rich and complex phenomenology. We investigate the effects of different oscillation frequencies and viscosities on the morphology of the phase separating domains. We find that at high frequencies the evolution is almost isotropic with growth exponents 2/3 and 1/3 in the inertial (low viscosity) and diffusive (high viscosity) regimes, respectively. When the period of the applied shear flow becomes of the same order of the relaxation time $T_R$ of the shear velocity profile, anisotropic effects are clearly observable. In correspondence with non-linear patterns for the velocity profiles, we find configurations where lamellar order close to the walls coexists with isotropic domains in the middle of the system. For particular values of frequency and viscosity it can also happen that the convective effects induced by the oscillations cause an interruption or a slowing of the segregation process, as found in some experiments. Finally, at very low frequencies, the morphology of domains is characterized by lamellar order everywhere in the system resembling what happens in the case with steady shear.Comment: 1 table and 12 figures in .gif forma

A Blueprint for a Big Data Analytical Solution to Low Farmer Engagement with Financial Management

As the market environment for farming has become more complicated, the need for farmer engagement in financial management has increased. However, financial management decisions need to consider individual farm environmental conditions. This paper discusses the design of a new big-data based analytical solution for low farmer engagement in financial management—a Farm Financial Information System (FARMFIS). Using a pastoral based livestock system as the case study, the methodology required to develop this predictive Information System is described. Building upon real-time weather, satellite grass growth and soil information, a local setting and a bio-physical model of weather and market changes on farm level economic outcomes are utilized. The aim is to use the back-end framework described here to develop decision support tools for farmers to provide benchmark information in relation to the financial and technical attributes to a similar top, middle or bottom one-third performing farm. This information can help farmers engage more meaningfully in their own management decisions, technologies, and practices