Drop Formation in a One-Dimensional Approximation of the Navier-Stokes Equation

Abstract

We consider the viscous motion of a thin, axisymmetric column of fluid with a free surface. A one-dimensional equation of motion for the velocity and the radius is derived from the Navier-Stokes equation. We compare with recent experiments on the breakup of a liquid jet and on the bifurcation of a drop suspended from an orifice. The equations form singularities as the fluid neck is pinching off. The nature of the singularities is investigated in detail.