The propagation of a vortex ring through multiple liquid interfaces in microgravity

We report experimental observations of the propagation of a vortex ring through two liquid interfaces separating immiscible liquids. The experiments examine the effect of vortex ring strength and the thickness of the middle layer on the evolution of the flow. A wide range of phenomena is observed. In particular, we show that at some conditions the vortex ring enters the top layer without bringing with it fluid from the middle layer. At higher Weber numbers, the vortex ring engulfs fluid from the middle layer and forms a drop of liquid from the lower layer coated with fluid from the middle layer. (Author)