WAVE FLOW OF RIVULETS ON THE OUTER SURFACE OF AN INCLINED CYLINDER

In this paper we present the results of an experimental study of wavy rivulet flow along the lower side of an inclined cylinder. The influen ce of the inclination angle of the cylinder, mode of irrigation and fl ow rate on the hydrodynamical characteristics is investigated. It is s hown that the rivulet flow is unstable. As a consequence the nonlinear waves appear on a rivulet surface. The different types of surface wav es are described. For the purpose of a detailed study of the wave char acteristics, a method of superimposed oscillations is applied. New reg ularities of wave motion were found in comparison to the case of liqui d film how. The critical conditions for liquid ejection from the rivul et are determined. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.