Low Weber number jet collision regimes in microgravity

Abstract

The outcome of the collision between two liquid jets depends on the liquid properties, jet velocity, and impact angle. So far studies on liquid jet impingement have been carried out in normal gravity conditions. In microgravity, jets are not accelerated and can show a different behavior than on ground. We perform an experimental analysis of the injection of liquid jets in microgravity, focusing in the jet impingement at different velocities and impact angles at low Weber numbers. Several regimes are obtained, some of which are not observable on ground. Other regimes take place at different parameter ranges than in normal gravity. A map of the observed regimes is proposed in terms of the Weber number and the impact angle.