Dynamics of droplets ejected over the evaporating water surface

We present the results of a ballistic experiment, in which an intensive capillary wave throws up microdroplets levitated over a heated region of water due to an ascending convective steam–air flow. The resistance of this flow to the motion of a droplet is estimated. The flow parameter (the velocity decrease field) is estimated using various theoretical approximations. The maximum size of freely levitated droplets is determined. It is shown that stationary levitation of droplets is impossible in a linearly nonuniform flow.