Viscous flow around fluid spheres at intermediate reynolds numbers

Abstract

Abstract Approximate velocity profiles and terminal velocities have been predicted for fluid spheres moving in viscous media under the influence of gravity. The equations of motion were satisfied approximately using a numerical method after Kawaguti (1) . Predicted terminal velocities are compared with literature data and with data measured by one of the authors (2) . The agreement is reasonable for Reynolds numbers up to about 80. The effect of the asymmetry of the exterior flow upon the symmetry of the interior flow is discussed.