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Flow about a fluid sphere at low to moderate Reynolds numbers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 April 2006

D. L. R. Oliver  and
J. N. Chung
D. L. R. Oliver
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164–2920, USA Present address: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA.
J. N. Chung
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164–2920, USA
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Abstract

The steady-state equations of motion are solved for a fluid sphere translating in a quiescent medium. A semi-analytical series truncation method is employed in conjunction with a cubic finite-element scheme. The range of Reynolds numbers investigated is from 0.5 to 50. The range of viscosity ratios is from 0 (gas bubble) to 107 (solid sphere). The flow structure and the drag coefficients agree closely with the limited available experimental measurements and also compare favourably with published finite-difference solutions. The strength of the internal circulation was found to increase with increasing Reynolds number. The flow patterns and the drag coefficient show little variation with the interior Reynolds number. Based on the numerical results, predictive equations for drag coefficients are recommended for both moderate- and low-Reynolds-number flows.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 177 , April 1987 , pp. 1 - 18
Copyright
© 1987 Cambridge University Press

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