Dynamics of Cryogenic Jets: Non-Rayleigh Breakup and Onset of Nonaxisymmetric Motions

TL;DR

This paper investigates the breakup dynamics of cryogenic jets, revealing deviations from classical Rayleigh theory and the onset of nonaxisymmetric motions, with implications for industrial and scientific applications involving cryogenic liquids.

Contribution

It introduces new generator techniques for mono-disperse cryogenic drops and explores the limitations of Rayleigh's theory for thin, energy-exchanging jets.

Findings

Deviations from Rayleigh's theory observed in H_2 and N_2 jets.

Loss of axial symmetry at high evaporation rates.

Formation of frozen pellets in vacuum conditions.

Abstract

We report development of generators for periodic, satellite-free fluxes of mono-disperse drops with diameters down to 10 mikrometers from cryogenic liquids like H_2, N_2, Ar and Xe (and, as reference fluid, water). While the breakup of water jets can well be described by Rayleigh's linear theory, we find jet regimes for H_2 and N_2 which reveal deviations from this behavior. Thus, Rayleigh's theory is inappropriate for thin jets that exchange energy and/or mass with the surrounding medium. Moreover, at high evaporation rates, axial symmetry of the dynamics is lost. When the drops pass into vacuum, frozen pellets form due to surface evaporation. The narrow width of the pellet flux paves the way towards various industrial and scientific applications.