Disintegration of a falling drop of liquid

Thread starter ca2n
Start date Oct 12, 2008
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Drop Falling Liquid

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The maximum diameter of a falling liquid drop that will not disintegrate in a gas is influenced by several variables, including interfacial energy and viscosity. Drop breakup occurs primarily due to the forces acting on the drop as it falls, with larger drops being more susceptible to fragmentation. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the balance between these forces to predict drop behavior. Additionally, the timescale of disintegration is closely related to the viscosity of the liquid. Overall, the dynamics of drop disintegration are complex and depend on multiple physical properties.

Oct 12, 2008

ca2n

What are the variables that determine the maximum diameter of a drop of liquid that will not disintegrate while falling through a gas (e.g. raindrop falling in air)?

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Oct 13, 2008

Andy Resnick

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If you mean "fragment" by disintegrate (as opposed to evaporate), then drop breakup is driven by interfacial energy, at a timescale driven by the viscosity.

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