A Numerical Model of Droplet Entrainment from a Contained Oil Slick.
Abstract
A theoretical analysis of oil droplet entrainment from a contained oil slick moving relative to water has been performed as a function of relative oil-water velocity. A numerical method incorporating discrete vortices is used to calculate smooth stable headwave profiles at low velocities and unstable profiles at high velocities. An oil droplet formation criterion is formulated and applied to the numerically modeled headwave region. The computed critical velocity corresponding to the onset of significant droplet entrainment is in close agreement with recent laboratory measurements. The computed entrainment rates are in approximate agreement with experiment, but do not exhibit systematic variation with water current. Oil drop trajectories are calculated using realistic starting conditions, but the present work does not extend beyond the first intersection of the drop with the slick. Recommendations are given for extending the work to include: post-formation droplet dynamics, wave effects, turbulence effects, and barrier design changes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADA006600
Entities
People
- Robert G. Zalosh