Particulate reshapes surface jet dynamics induced by a cavitation bubble

Liquid jet formations on water surfaces serve as a cornerstone in diverse scientific disciplines, underpinning processes in climatology, environmental science, and human health issues. Traditional models predominantly focus on pristine conditions, an idealisation that overlooks common environmental irregularities such as the presence of particulate matter on water surfaces. To address this shortfall, our research examines the dynamic interactions between surface particulate matter and cavitation bubbles using floating spheres and spark bubbles. We unveil five novel jet modes, advancing beyond classical models and demonstrating enhanced variability in jet dynamics. We observe that particulates significantly lower the energy threshold for jet formation, showing the enhanced sensitivity of jet dynamics to their presence. The phase diagram and analyses illustrate how the interplay between the dimensionless immersion time of the particulate and the spark bubble’s dimensionless depth influences jet mode development, from singular streams to complex cavity forms. These insights not only advance our understanding of jet formation, but also unlock the potential for refined jet manipulation across a broad range of physical, environmental, and medical applications.