Direct numerical simulation of turbulence and microphysics in the Pi Chamber
Theodore MacMillan, Raymond A. Shaw, Will Cantrell, David H. Richter
Abstract
Direct numerical simulation is applied to the Pi Chamber experimental facility to understand droplet growth and activation in the context of moist Rayleigh-B\'enard turbulence. While many bulk features of the experimental observations are represented well, the Lagrangian approach to droplet microphysics is used to gain insight where experiments cannot. Common assumptions regarding the activation-deactivation cycle and droplet lifetime are shown to be likely erroneous.
Topics & Concepts
TurbulenceContext (archaeology)Direct numerical simulationMechanicsPhysicsRayleigh scatteringComputer simulationLagrangianStatistical physicsMeteorologyOpticsTheoretical physicsGeologyReynolds numberPaleontologyParticle Dynamics in Fluid FlowsCombustion and flame dynamicsFluid Dynamics and Turbulent Flows