Droplet vaporization in supercritical pressure environments

Droplet vaporization is examined, with attention given to the behavior of the liquid phase, the behavior of the gas phase, and the combined effect of liquid and gas behavior and their coupling. The special characteristics of liquid droplets near their critical points are then discussed with reference to transport properties, near-critical dynamic effects, and interface characteristics. Finally, a set of microgravity experiments is briefly described as a possible means of acquiring experimental verification of the nature and role of near-critical effects. By reducing potentially masking effects, the microgravity environments will allow the measurement of transport properties, surface tension, and surface equilibrium effects.