HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Huang, C. Articles by Cushman, J. H. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Huang, C. Articles by Cushman, J. H. Agricola Articles by Huang, C. Articles by Cushman, J. H.

A Numerical Study of Raindrop Impact Phenomena: The Rigid Case¹

ABSTRACT

The Marker and Cell (MAC) numerical technique was used to examine the raindrop impact phenomenon. This experiment simulated the impact of a spherical drop on a rigid surface. Results indicated that the impact pressures were neither uniform nor constant, with extremely high values at the very instant of impact and diminishing to about five times the steady-state stagnation pressure after 5 µsec. The maximum pressure was at the contact circumference. The jetting velocity at the rigid surface was twice the impact velocity. The results implied that three critical factors important in defining resistance against raindrop impact were (i) soil deformation characteristics, (ii) soil shearing strength, and (iii) surface microrelief.

Key Words: soil erosion • Marker and Cell (MAC) technique • soil strength • soil stress

¹ Contribution from USDA-ARS in cooperation with Agron. Dep., Purdue Univ. Journal Art. no. 8486.

² Graduate Research Assistant, Soil Scientist, USDA-ARS, and Assistant Professor, respectively, Dep. of Agronomy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907.

Received for publication April 20, 1981. Accepted for publication August 15, 1981.