Thermal bending of nanojets : Molecular dynamics simulations of an asymmetrically heated nozzle

A method for deflecting high velocity liquid nanojets through nonuniform asymmetric heating of a cylindrical nozzle is described using molecular dynamics simulations of liquid propane. The deflection originates mainly from a strong, highly nonisotropic evaporation flux from the liquid near the exit, resulting in overall cooling and a force that bends the nanojet in the lower temperature direction. Also discussed is the formation of a self-convergent virtual nozzle in the injector-confined liquid with an exit radius smaller than that of the injector, portraying the temperature and density profiles in the heated liquid and resulting in a nanojet of reduced dimensions.