Fluid Pinch-off and Sprays

Fluid pinch-off is a highly challenging problem. Computational techniques either break down when topological change occurs or become highly inaccurate and miss most of the subtle dynamics. We have built a new mathematical model applicable to a host of fluid breakage issues. Our new approach relies on embedding the interface, the velocity, and the potential in higher dimensional implicit forms, and then solving a coupled set of PDEs that naturally transition through fluid breakup. Using this approach, we have been able to obtain a remarkably close match with experimental data, correctly computing asymptotic constants of fluid self-similarity as breakup is approached as well as the resulting rapid reconfiguration due to surface capillary waves and separation into microdroplets.

About Berkeley Lab

Founded in 1931 on the belief that the biggest scientific challenges are best addressed by teams, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and its scientists have been recognized with 16 Nobel Prizes. Today, Berkeley Lab researchers develop sustainable energy and environmental solutions, create useful new materials, advance the frontiers of computing, and probe the mysteries of life, matter, and the universe. Scientists from around the world rely on the Lab’s facilities for their own discovery science. Berkeley Lab is a multiprogram national laboratory, managed by the University of California for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

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