A drag coefficient model for Lagrangian particle dynamics relevant to high-speed flows

Abstract

A blended drag coefficient model is constructed using a series of empirical relations based on Reynolds number, Mach number, and Knudsen number. When validated against experiments, the drag coefficient model produces matching values with a standard deviation error of 2.84% and a maximum error of 11.87%. The model is used in a Lagrangian code which is coupled to a hypersonic aerothermodynamic CFD code, and the particle velocity and trajectory are validated against experimental results. The comparative results agree well and show that the new blended drag coefficient model is capable of predicting the particle motion accurately over a range of Reynolds number, Mach number, and Knudsen number.