Dynamics of nanojets
Fluid Dynamics
2009-11-07 v1 Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability
Abstract
We study the breakup of a liquid jet a few nanometers in diameter, based on a stochastic differential equation derived recently by Moseler and Landman [Science {\bf 289}, 1165 (2000)]. In agreement with their simulations, we confirm that noise qualitatively changes the characteristics of breakup, leading to symmetric profiles. Using the path integral description, we find a self-similar profile that describes the most probable breakup mode. As illustrated by a simple physical argument, noise is the driving force behind pinching, speeding up the breakup to make surface tension irrelevant.
Cite
@article{arxiv.physics/0201001,
title = {Dynamics of nanojets},
author = {Jens Eggers},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0201001},
year = {2009}
}