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    Size and Shape of Condensing Steam Jets and Plumes

    N. Fourcade1, F. Poydenot1, P. Langlois1, F. Barbe1, N. Sinnathamby1, P. Claudin2, and B. Andreotti1

    Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 154001 – Published 9 October, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/g8x4-l1q7

    Abstract

    Droplet-laden cloud dynamics emerge from coupled phase transitions and turbulent mixing. Combining experiments and mean-field theory, we establish scaling laws for steam-injected clouds in unsaturated air seeded with condensation nuclei. Depending on whether the cloud is confined to the initial momentum-dominated zone of the jet or extends into the buoyancy-dominated plume, two asymptotic regimes arise. In the momentum regime, cloud dimensions scale with the injector radius. In the buoyancy regime, size follows a m˙2/5 scaling, where m˙ is the injected steam mass flow rate. Assuming interdroplet air remains humidity saturated, our mean-field analysis predicts cloud persistence governed by enthalpy and humidity mixing. These findings bridge microphysical processes and macroscale dynamics, offering a quantitative framework for atmospheric cloud evolution.

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