Correlation for Axial Motion of Barrel Drops on Fibers

This paper reports on research results to correlate the motion of the drops on fibers. The drag coefficient for axial motion of barrel drops on fibers is correlated to the Reynolds, Capillary number and the drop to fiber diameter ratio. The correlation is fitted to the experimental data. The experimental data are obtained from a special made couette flow apparatus. The apparatus is designed to hold the fiber steady using cylindrical wires and the drops are attached to the fibers by exposing them to a liquid aerosol stream. The air flow is applied parallel and perpendicular to the fiber axis to measure motion of drops axially along the fiber and the rate of drop detachment for flow perpendicular to the fiber. Drop motion on fibers occurs in numerous industrial, automotive, and aerospace applications. The correlations developed in this work will be useful in modeling and predicting drop motions.