Dynamics of Rising Dispersant Laden Oil Drops in a Quiescent Environment

We study the dynamics of rising oil drops in a quiescent fluid chamber under uniform and density stratified conditions. Digital in-line holography allows for high resolution topological measurements and tracking of drop trajectories. Statistics of rising velocities, drop shapes and sizes are compared as functions of different oil-dispersant ratios. A conceptual model of an oil drop developing appendages and its subsequent breakdown into much smaller droplets is also discussed.