Formation of a petal-shaped structure at the front of an axisymmetric liquid film induced by collision of a drop with a flat surface

A model for the formation of a petal-shaped structure is proposed that is based on Rayleigh–Taylor instability occurring at the stage of transition of supersonic flow to forced flow. At this stage, there is abrupt deceleration of the flow, reaching $(10^8-10^{10})g$. A dispersion relation is derived that allows one to obtain the length of the wave whose amplitude increases with maximum rate. The number of petals formed is determined assuming that this quantity is constant in time.