Dripping-Jetting Transitions in a Dripping Faucet

Abstract

Fascinating dynamics is known to result when the flow rate Q at which water drips from a faucet varies. Starting with simple (period-1) dripping, the system transitions as Q increases to complex dripping, where it exhibits period-n (n=2,4,…) and chaotic responses, and then jets once Q exceeds a threshold. New experiments and simulations show that high viscosity (μ) liquids, e.g., syrup, transition directly from simple dripping to jetting as Q increases. Phase diagrams showing transitions between simple and complex dripping and jetting in (Q,μ) space are developed. Values of Q for transition from dripping to jetting are estimated from scaling arguments and shown to accord well with simulations.