Asymptotic model of slow three-dimensional liquid film flow in a space drop catcher

Abstract

Slow steady-state film flows formed on the inner surface of a drop catcher funnel due to inertial deposition of drops of a dispersed working matter in the spacecraft cooling system are considered. A limiting asymptotic model of slow three-dimensional coolant film flow is constructed assuming that the deposited drops transfer all their mass, momentum, and energy to the film described by the equations of creeping viscous fluid flow in a thin layer of a priori unknown thickness. A first-order quasi-linear partial differential equation for the film thickness is derived. The shape of the film surface is investigated numerically as a function of parameters using the method of characteristics. The range of optimum parameters ensuring the steady-state film flow is found. The limits of existence of the solutions corresponding to the limiting model proposed are investigated.