This paper discusses the use of a phase-Doppler anemometer to obtain t
he size and velocity characteristics of droplets formed and transporte
d in a flashing water jet. In particular, the validation and calibrati
on procedures adopted to ensure correct acquisition of experimental da
ta are discussed in detail. The methodology involved in choosing the m
agnitudes of the various operating parameters of a phase-Doppler anemo
meter such as the intensity of the transmitting beams, signal-to-noise
ratio, sample size, and sensitivity of the photomultiplier tubes are
described. The droplet size and velocity distributions were acquired a
t two axial stations covering the width and height of the jet cross-se
ction. Attempts were made to identify the proper scaling variables to
develop suitable nondimensional parameters to characterize a flashing
jet.