Levitation of a drop over a film flow

Citation
Kr. Sreenivas et al., Levitation of a drop over a film flow, J FLUID MEC, 380, 1999, pp. 297-307
Citations number
10
Categorie Soggetti
Physics,"Mechanical Engineering
Journal title
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
ISSN journal
00221120 → ACNP
Volume
380
Year of publication
1999
Pages
297 - 307
Database
ISI
SICI code
0022-1120(19990210)380:<297:LOADOA>2.0.ZU;2-L
Abstract
A vertical jet of water impinging on a horizontal surface produces a radial film flow followed by a circular hydraulic jump. We report a phenomenon wh ere fairly large (1 mi) drops of liquid levitate just upstream of the jump on a thin air layer between the drop and the film flow. We explain the phen omenon using lubrication theory. Bearing action both in the air film and th e water film seems to be necessary to support large drops. Horizontal suppo rt is given to the drop by the hydraulic jump. A variety of drop shapes is observed depending on the volume of the drop and liquid properties. We show that interaction of the forces due to gravity, surface tension, viscosity and inertia produces these various shapes.