Formation of vortex rings from falling drops

Abstract

A study of the formation of vortex rings when a liquid drop falls into a stationary bath of the same liquid has been made. The investigation covered liquids with a wide range in surface tensions, densities and viscosities. The results confirm the reported existence of optimum dropping height from which the drop develops into a superior vortex ring. The optimum heights are analysed, by a photographic study, in terms of the liquid drop oscillation. It is found that vortex rings are formed best if the drop is spherical and changing from an oblate to a prolate spheroid at the moment of contact with the bath. A Reynolds number has been determined for vortex rings produced at optimum dropping heights; these numbers are approximately 1000. A possible mechanism for the ring formation is suggested.