Low Reynolds Number Flow Computations of a Sphere With Slip
A computational fluid dynamics package (FLUENT) was used to simulate the conditions of a falling sphere through a water medium with a zero shear stress condition (full slip) for Reynolds numbers in the range. Comparisons of the results were made with simulations of the flow past a sphere with no slip. Specific differences were observed in the drag coefficient, drag forces, axial velocity, radial velocity, and wake characteristics. A significant reduction in the drag coefficient was observed with the presence of slip on the surface. With a decrease in the Reynolds number the decreases in the wake structure became negligible, however, the differences in drag coefficient became significant. At high Reynolds numbers, the wake was skewed towards the rear of the sphere, under the full slip condition.