Motion of small bubbles and drops in viscoelastic fluids

Viscoelastic materials containing bubbles or drops are encountered in numerous application fields and are presently the object of much interest. The motion of bubbles and drops in these matrices can be significantly different than in Newtonian fluids. This review is restricted to the case of motion in quiescent fluids (or small Reynolds number) and small bubbles and drops that are not appreciably deformed during their motion. It includes a brief description of the properties of viscoelastic systems and the motion of solid particles in these systems. The case of very small drops undergoing Brownian motion is related to recent advances in microrheology. The motion of larger drops and bubbles due to gravity in yield stress fluids is discussed and linked to Ostwald ripening. Recent advances in the understanding of the rheological properties of the composite systems are also briefly discussed.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the movement of bubbles and drops in viscoelastic materials, addressing the differences from Newtonian fluids. It covers cases of motion in quiescent fluids, small bubbles and drops, as well as recent advances in microrheology. The discussion also includes the motion of larger drops and bubbles in yield stress fluids, as well as recent developments in understanding the rheological properties of composite systems.