Effect of temperature on the vorticity field of an evolving water droplet

Vorticity in liquid droplets and the impact of temperature on the evolution of dripping droplets have received little attention in the published literature. Here, an investigation is conducted to determine the vorticity field within a droplet as it evolves from the onset to the breakup point and to show the impact of temperature on the vorticity field. The work is performed both experimentally and computationally. It was observed that the water leaving the nozzle grows into a cylindrical shape, forms a throat, contracts near the throat, and finally breaks up and forms an independent nearly spherical droplet. Presence of a flow recirculation within the droplet was noticed. Vorticity iso-surfaces were circumferentially asymmetric, and indicated a three-dimensional droplet behavior with rotational (non-zero vorticity) effects. Temperature enhanced the vorticity-related asymmetry and affected the pressure and velocity within the droplet.