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On the Fall velocity of a Hydrometeor in a Turbulent flow
  • Ahmad Talaei,
  • Tim Garrett,
  • Kyle Fitch
Ahmad Talaei
University of Utah

Corresponding Author:ahmad.talaei@utah.edu

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Tim Garrett
University of Utah
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Kyle Fitch
University of Utah
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Abstract

Understanding the falling velocity of cloud droplets and ice crystals in a nonuniform flow is fundamental to cloud physics and precipitation. In this study, the mean settling velocity of a hydrometeor falling into a non-stationary fluid is examined. To investigate the possible particle-fluid interaction, a homogeneous and isotropic turbulent flow fields is considered. The study covers a wide range of flow velocities and hydrometeor density and size. The results show initially reduction of hydrometeor settling velocity and then enhancement in strong turbulence. The mean settling velocity depends on a) mean flow and turbulent intensity i.e., standard deviation of flow and b) particle terminal velocity i.e., the shape and size of hydrometeor, its density, the dynamic viscosity and the density of the fluid, and the gravitational acceleration. The non-dimensional parameters that are important in characterization of hydrometeor settling velocities are estimated using dimensional analysis. These non-dimensional parameters are then used to formulate the mean settling velocity.