The motion of an axisymmetric column of Navier–Stokes fluid with a free surface is considered. Due to surface tension, the thickness of the fluid neck goes to zero in finite time. After the singularity, the fluid consists of two halves, which constitute a unique continuation of the Navier–Stokes equation through the singular point. The asymptotic solutions of the Navier–Stokes equation are calculated, both before and after the singularity. The solutions have scaling form, characterized by universal exponents as well as universal scaling functions, which are computed without adjustable parameters.
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© 1995 American Institute of Physics.
1995
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