Author： Wheeler Andrew P S
Publisher： IOP Publishing
ISSN： 0031-9120
Source： Physics Education, Vol.47, Iss.4, 2012-07, pp. : 403-408
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Abstract
This article aims to describe how to visualize surface tension effects in liquid jets. A simple experiment is proposed using the liquid jet flow from a mains water tap/faucet. Using a modern digital camera with a high shutter speed, it is possible to visualize the instabilities (capillary waves) that form within the jet due to the action of surface tension, which can then eventually lead to droplet formation. Visualizing this process is important for understanding the fluid mechanics of liquid jets and also the formation of droplets, which has wide applications for instance in printing, polymer processing, aerosol sprays and fuel injection in combustion chambers.
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