Boundary Layer Flow Fields around Rotating Spheres

Abstract

<p>The boundary layer equations governing the conservation of mass and momentum and the corresponding boundary conditions are derived, using spherical coordinates for flow past a rotating sphere. A finite-volume-based numerical scheme using structured orthogonal body-fitted grids was used to examine potential and vortex flow around a stationary sphere and flow fields around rotating spheres whose axes are parallel and perpendicular to the free stream direction. Some parametric studies were conducted. The results are presented in graphical form for flow visualization. Experiments for the case of the rotational axis being perpendicular to the free stream were designed and data generated using a triple-sensor probe. It has found that the numerical results agreed reasonably well with experimental results within experimental uncertainty. The comparisons were not completed over whole flow field due to the limitations in the experimental conditions.</p>