The present work focuses on the electrohydrodynamic spraying of a viscous a
nd highly conductive polyvinyl alcohol aqueous solution. The influence of t
he electric field strength on the main drop diameter, the satellite diamete
r and their size distribution in dripping and in jet modes has been investi
gated. The processes of formation of the main droplet and of the satellite
have also been studied. The effect of the operating voltage on the jet form
ation is discussed and the existence of a hysteresis is reported. (C) 2001
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