Power Scaling of Radial Outflow: Bernoulli Pads in Equilibrium

Abstract

A Bernoulli pad uses an axial jet to produce radial outflow between the pad and a proximally located parallel surface. The flow field produces a force between the surfaces, which depends upon their spacing h. The direction of this force is repulsive as h approaches zero and becomes attractive as h increases. This yields a stable equilibrium point heq, where the force is equal to zero. The present computational work indicates that a power-law relationship exists between heq and the inlet fluid power required to sustain this equilibrium spacing when each is appropriately scaled. This scaling is derived principally from the wall shear; an additional term incorporating the inlet Reynolds number is used to account for the force applied to the system. The relationship is valid over a range of forces acting on the system, geometric, and material properties.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Apr 15, 2019
Source ID
10.1115/1.4043061

Entities

People

  • Aren Hellum
  • Kristina M. Kamensky
  • Ranjan Mukherjee

Organizations

  • Michigan State University
  • Naval Undersea Warfare Center
  • Office of Naval Research

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Finite Element Method (FEM) for solving Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)
  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.
  • Materials Science and Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster