Observations concerning the mechanism of atomisation in an ultrasonic fountain

Abstract

The paper describes some observations of an ultrasonic fountain. A 1 MHz focusing transducer was used. Size distribution measurements and observations using standard high speed cine techniques are described. Photographs taken with a very high speed cine technique normally used for observing explosions are also described. A discussion of the fundamental mechanisms of small droplet production is given. Evidence of both capillary wave droplet formation and cavitation is presented. thus supporting the current “cavitation—wave hypothesis”.