Abstract:

Novel, compact instrumentation for studying the behavior of drop arrays and sprays, and of clusters of drops, permits fundamental research into the behavior of reacting and nonreacting fluid species. The new capability is made possible by simultaneous levitation and charging of ``seed'' droplets (10--30 m in diameter) which come together in 2-D clusters. These clusters are interesting in their own right because of their crystalline and quasi-crystalline forms, which depend on the acoustic and electric field parameters. By varying the electric and acoustic field intensities, one can cause the clusters to condense into larger drops (e.g., 50--300 m) which, because of their charge, form uniformly spaced 2-D arrays of monodispersed drops. One or more layers of these 2-D arrays can form in the acoustic standing wave. Such a configuration permits a wide range of fundamental studies of drop evaporation, combustion, and nucleation. The drops can be single or multicomponent. Therefore, fundamental materials studies can also be performed. Instrument characteristics and initial studies with the new apparatus will be reviewed. [Work supported by JPL 958722.]