Formation of sprays from liquid jets by a superimposed sequence of nonaxial disturbances

A fundamental physical mechanism whereby sprays are formed is formulated. A model of nonaxial sequence of superimposed disturbances, propagating one on top of the other, is used to describe the evolution of liquid jets into sprays. It is postulated that every consecutive superimposed disturbance travels tangent to the surface that supports its propagation. Model outputs show highly nonlinear profiles of the jet surface. Fourier analysis, of the derived superimposed disturbance functions, is performed in conjunction with the basic building blocks of the classical instability theory. Starting from the first superimposed disturbance, the sum of these linear building blocks results in nonlinear intricate profiles of the jet. These profiles are shown to be the source of drops from which a spray is made. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.