Flow separation from a stationary meniscus

We consider the steady flow near a free surface at intermediate to high Reynolds numbers, both experimentally and theoretically. In our experiment, an axisymmetric capillary meniscus is suspended from a cylindrical tube, held slightly above a horizontal water surface. A flow of dyed water is released through the tube into the reservoir, and flow lines are thus recorded. At low Reynolds numbers, flow lines follow the free surface, and injected water spreads horizontally inside the container. Increasing the Reynolds number, the injected fluid penetrates to a certain distance into the bath, but ultimately follows the free surface. Above a critical Reynolds number of approximately 60, the flow separates from the free surface in the meniscus region and a jet projects vertically into the bath. We find no indication that the flow reattaches at higher Reynolds numbers, nor are our findings sensitive to surface contamination. We show theoretically and confirm experimentally that the separating streamline forms a right angle with the free surface.