Interaction between a turbulent air stream and a moving water surface

Abstract

AbstractThe interaction between a turbulent air stream and a water film flowing parallel to it was studied. The variables explored were the liquid flow rate, the gas flow rate, and the film height. The data were correlated in terms of a liquid and a gas Reynolds number. Thinner films or films having a lower Reynolds number were more stable. For the experiments reported in this research the transition from a smooth surface to a surface possessing two‐dimensional waves occurs at hUτρliquid/µliquid of about 520. Transition from two‐dimensional waves to a “pebbled” surface occurs at a value of this parameter of about 600. Theories presented in the literature for the initiation of waves on a liquid surface do not adequately describe the experimental results.