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Drag Force on a Starting Plate Scales with the Square Root of Acceleration
J Reijtenbagh1, M J Tummers1, J Westerweel1
1Laboratory for Aero and Hydrodynamics, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD Delft, Netherlands.
Physical Review Letters
|May 12, 2023
Summary
The drag force on accelerating plates scales with the square root of acceleration due to vorticity generation. A new history-based scaling law for unsteady flow is presented, resolving inconsistencies with added mass forces.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Aerodynamics
- Physics of moving objects
Background:
- Understanding forces on accelerating objects is crucial in fluid dynamics.
- Previous models for accelerating plates faced inconsistencies, particularly regarding added mass forces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the instantaneous drag force on plates accelerated normally to their surface.
- To develop a new, consistent scaling law for drag force in unsteady flow.
Main Methods:
- Experimental or computational analysis of drag force on accelerating plates.
- Development of a novel scaling law based on the concept of history force.
Main Results:
- The instantaneous drag force was found to scale with the square root of acceleration.
- The study identified the generation and advection of vorticity at the plate surface as the cause.
Conclusions:
- A new scaling law for drag force on accelerating plates has been established.
- This law offers a more consistent description of forces in unsteady flow, avoiding issues with added mass.
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