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APS » Journals » Phys. Rev. Lett. » Volume 106 » Issue 21
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Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 214501 (2011) [4 pages]

Drag Reduction by Leidenfrost Vapor Layers

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Ivan U. Vakarelski1,2,*, Jeremy O. Marston1, Derek Y. C. Chan3,4, and Sigurdur T. Thoroddsen1,5
1Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
2Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, 1 Pesek Road, 627833 Singapore
3Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia
4Faculty of Life and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn VIC 3122, Australia
5Clean Combustion Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia

Received 6 March 2011; published 23 May 2011

We demonstrate and quantify a highly effective drag reduction technique that exploits the Leidenfrost effect to create a continuous and robust lubricating vapor layer on the surface of a heated solid sphere moving in a liquid. Using high-speed video, we show that such vapor layers can reduce the hydrodynamic drag by over 85%. These results appear to approach the ultimate limit of drag reduction possible by different methods based on gas-layer lubrication and can stimulate the development of related energy saving technologies.

© 2011 American Physical Society

URL:
http://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.214501
DOI:
10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.214501
PACS:
47.85.lb, 47.85.ld, 47.85.mf

*ivanuriev.vakarelski@kaust.edu.sa

 
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