Jetting Simulations

The fundamental scientific principle behind inkjet technology is the breakup of fluid jets or ligaments under surface tension, which involves the growth of infinitesimal perturbations along the free surface of the jet. Thus, in any computational model, it is imperative that the free surface is resolved accurately throughout the duration of the simulation. This chapter focuses on simulating the generation of jets and drops, and the dynamics of breakup behaviour. Three types of modelling are discussed in the chapter, namely, one?dimensional modelling, axisymmetric modelling, and three?dimensional simulation. The major requirements for most inkjet simulations include the following: accurate representation of jet breakup on small scales; accurate capture of the free surface dynamics of jets and thin ligaments; adaptive resolution in space and time; capacity to model the print?head geometry; and capacity to include non?Newtonian fluid models.