SUMMARY

The evolution and break down of a microscale (O(10 micron)) liquid jet is studied experimentally using shadowgraphy techniques to capture images of the jet formed under certain ranges of values for the dimensionless parameters. The different dimensionless parameters are Reynolds number, Pressure Ratio, and Ohnesorge number which are primarily and respectively varied by driving pressure, observation chamber pressure, and specified liquid. Across the experimental range of values, the jet experiences different modes of break up (or break up regime) indicating different dominant destabilizing mechanisms. Furthermore, as the dimensionless parameters are varied slightly affect changes in jet break up within a regime; permitting insights into which mechanisms drive jet break up. The present investigation discusses the break down of microscale liquid jets showing both macroscale break down and new microscale phenomenon resulting dramatically different jet evolution.