The water entry of decelerating spheres

Author(s)
Aristoff, Jeffrey M.; Truscott, Tadd T.; Techet, Alexandra H.; Bush, John W. M.
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Abstract
We present the results of a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the vertical impact of low-density spheres on a water surface. Particular attention is given to characterizing the sphere dynamics and the influence of its deceleration on the shape of the resulting air cavity. A theoretical model is developed which yields simple expressions for the pinch-off time and depth, as well as the volume of air entrained by the sphere. Theoretical predictions compare favorably with our experimental observations, and allow us to rationalize the form of water-entry cavities resulting from the impact of buoyant and nearly buoyant spheres.
Date issued
2010-03
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/60847
Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mathematics; Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
Journal
Physics of Fluids
Publisher
American Institute of Physics
Citation
Aristoff, Jeffrey M. et al. “The water entry of decelerating spheres.” Physics of Fluids 22.3 (2010): 032102-8. © 2010 American Institute of Physics
Version: Final published version
ISSN
1070-6631
1089-7666
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