Wave flow of rivulets on the outer surface of an inclined cylinder

In this paper we present the results of an experimental study of wavy rivulet flow along the lower side of an inclined cylinder. The influence of the inclination angle of the cylinder, mode of irrigation and flow rate on the hydrodynamical characteristics is investigated. It is shown that the rivulet flow is unstable. As a consequence the nonlinear waves appear on a rivulet surface. The different types of surface waves are described. For the purpose of a detailed study of the wave characteristics, a method of superimposed oscillations is applied. New regularities of wave motion were found in comparison to the case of liquid film how. The critical conditions for liquid ejection from the rivulet are determined. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.