A Cascade of Structure in a Drop of Water Falling from a Faucet

January 7, 1994

The breakup and control of drops and their satellites

After the drop started to fall, it separated from the liquid at the top leaving behind a long neck. The photograph at the top right catches this neck as it is on the verge of forming a second, satellite drop by breaking away from the top plate. The figure at the bottom right is a simulation of this same behavior.

In both pictures one can see the intricate cascade of structure on the satellite drop. The breakup and control of drops and their satellites have many technological applications.

Animated gif movie (.5 meg) courtesy Dan Mueth 5/97 - approved for posting by S. Nagel, 7/8/95

Reference:

  • Author: Shi, X.D.; Brenner, M.P.; Nagel, S.R.
  • Title: A Cascade of Structure in a Drop Falling from a Faucet
  • Journal Name: Science
  • Volume and Issue: Volume 265, Number 5169
  • Pages: 219
  • Publishing Date and Year: July 8, 1994

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