Physics

Trajectory

Weber number

Reynolds number

Mechanics

Biology

Astronomy

Dissipation

Paleontology

Turbulence

Materials science

Energy balance

Breakup

Context (archaeology)

Drag

Classical mechanics

Thermodynamics

Atomization and Sprays

We studied the problem of a liquid droplet in a high-speed trajectory through ambient gas. The fate of such a droplet is of importance to the overall spray characteristics, in the context of secondary breakup. A theoretical analysis of the problem is presented in which we examine an overall energy balance that includes surface and dissipation energies. Transformation between a droplet to its breakup products under trajectory conditions that include drag forces is a spontaneous process that occurs at a characteristic finite time. The transformation involves reversible surface energy transitions and irreversible viscous dissipation energy. The results provide a simple algebraic equation that shows the inter-relationships between the pertinent parameters and constitutes the minimum essential conditions for droplet breakup.

ANALYTICAL CRITERION FOR DROPLET BREAKUP