This work presents a new method to generate droplets with diameters significantly smaller than the nozzle from which they emerge. The electrical waveform used to produce the jetting consists of a single square negative pulse. The negative edge of the pressure wave pulls the meniscus in, overturning the surface in such a way that a cavity is created. This cavity is then forced to collapse under the action of the positive edge of the pressure wave. This violent collapse produces a thin jet that eventually breaks up and produces droplets. Four droplet generator prototypes that demonstrate the capabilities of this novel mechanism are described. It is also shown that the proposed mechanism extends the existing limits of the commonly accepted inkjet operating regime.
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November 2012
Research Article|
November 26 2012
A novel method to produce small droplets from large nozzles
A. A. Castrejón-Pita;
A. A. Castrejón-Pita
Department of Engineering,
University of Cambridge
, 17 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, United Kingdom
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J. R. Castrejón-Pita;
J. R. Castrejón-Pita
Department of Engineering,
University of Cambridge
, 17 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, United Kingdom
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G. D. Martin
G. D. Martin
Department of Engineering,
University of Cambridge
, 17 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, United Kingdom
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Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 115105 (2012)
Article history
Received:
August 24 2012
Accepted:
October 24 2012
Citation
A. A. Castrejón-Pita, J. R. Castrejón-Pita, G. D. Martin; A novel method to produce small droplets from large nozzles. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 1 November 2012; 83 (11): 115105. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4766886
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