Droplet sedimentation: A physical description and qualitative explanation of the phenomenon

Abstract Experiments with very simple geometric configurations and dynamic conditions were conducted to observe the formation of filaments and droplets from buoyant layers containing dense macromolecules. The development of the droplets into small vortex rings, and their motions were followed. The observations are described. These experiments were conducted in an effort to understand and to predict streaming, or tumbling, or droplet sedimentation in centrifuges. A sequence of physical processes composing the phenomenon of droplet sedimentation is proposed and discussed.