Self-similar jet evolution after drop impact on a liquid surface

Small conical-shaped jets may emanate from a liquid bath a short while after a small drop has hit a liquid pool. Here we perform Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements of the liquid flow inside upward jets after drop impact and show that fluid elements inside the jets may decelerate up to 5-20 times the gravitational acceleration. The measurements show that both the shape of the jet and the velocity profile are self-similar. A theoretical model including surface tension, fluid inertia and gravity correctly predicts the self-similar velocity profile and shape of the jet, allowing us to provide the first quantitative explanation of the shape and dynamics of the emanating jets.