Modeling for Formation of Microdroplets Prepared by Pulsated Orifice Ejection Method

Abstract This study investigated the preparation of metallic microdroplets by pulsed orifice ejection method. Computational fluid dynamics simulations, combined with volume-of-fluid model, were employed to analyze the jet break-up and droplet formation behaviors of various metallic materials within a certain Weber number (We) range. An energy-based physical model under inlet boundary conditions was established to precisely control the generation of droplets. The results indicate that the break-up state of metal jets is significantly influenced by material properties within the range that We=12~24, which makes the materials exhibiting higher surface tension and density relatively favorable to the production of mono-sized microdroplets. Moreover, the break-up behavior of the jet is closely related to the ratio of volume force to surface tension (Bond number). And the proposed model effectively predicts the properties of droplets. This research provides theoretical guidance and technical support for the precise preparation of metallic microdroplets.