Leidenfrost Vapor Layers Reduce Drag without the Crisis in High Viscosity Liquids

Ivan Uriev Vakarelski, Joseph D. Berry, Derek Y. C. Chan, Sigurdur T Thoroddsen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

The drag coefficient CD of a solid smooth sphere moving in a fluid is known to be only a function of the Reynolds number Re and diminishes rapidly at the drag crisis around Re∼3×105. A Leidenfrost vapor layer on a hot sphere surface can trigger the onset of the drag crisis at a lower Re. By using a range of high viscosity perfluorocarbon liquids, we show that the drag reduction effect can occur over a wide range of Re, from as low as ∼600 to 105. The Navier slip model with a viscosity dependent slip length can fit the observed drag reduction and wake shape. © 2016 American Physical Society.
Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume117
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 8 2016

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