Nonlinear electrohydrodynamic phenomena and droplet generation in charged jets of conducting liquid

Phenomena occurring at the tip of a charged conducting jet are analyzed in detail using numerical methods developed for axially symmetric flows. Unive rsal mechanisms (independent of the method for producing the jet) for dropl et formation with different ratios of the Laplace and electrical pressures on the lateral surface are identified. An explanatory analysis is given for all of the nonlinear stages of the classical Rayleigh instability of a cha rged conducting drop, beginning with the formation of a jet at the surface of the drop and culminating in the generation of a developed jet of seconda ry droplets. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S1063-7842(99)00111-7 ].