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Fluctuations in Rayleigh breakup induced by particulates
1Kodak Limited (European Research), 332 Science Park, Cambridge, CB4 0WN, UK. andrew.clarke@physics.org
Advances in Colloid and Interface Science
|October 23, 2009
Summary
Particulates in inkjet printing disrupt liquid jets, increasing drop velocity fluctuations. This study describes how these particles interact with the nozzle
Area of Science:
- Fluid Dynamics
- Colloidal Science
- Inkjet Printing Technology
Background:
- The Rayleigh-Plateau instability governs liquid jet breakup into droplets, a principle utilized in continuous inkjet printing.
- Minimizing drop velocity fluctuations is crucial for precise inkjet printing applications.
- The presence of particulates, typically pigment particles (O(100 nm)), significantly amplifies velocity fluctuations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism by which particulates increase velocity fluctuations in inkjet printing.
- To understand the hydrodynamic interactions between particulates and the shear field within the nozzle.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of jet breakup fluctuations.
- Characterization of particulate-boundary layer interactions within the nozzle shear field.
Main Results:
- Particulate size (O(100 nm)) is a significant fraction of the nozzle boundary layer thickness (O(1 μm)).
- Particulates perturb the boundary layer, influencing jet stability and breakup dynamics.
- Observed strong correlation between particulate presence and increased drop velocity fluctuations.
Conclusions:
- Particulates interact with the shear field at the nozzle wall, affecting jet stability.
- These interactions are responsible for the observed increase in velocity fluctuations during inkjet printing.
- Understanding these dynamics is key to controlling drop formation in particulate-laden inks.
