Energy Spectrum of Small-Scale Cloud Turbulence
Jorgji Dhima '06
 |
| Jorgji with his fog machine |
Abstract:
Water density fluctuations of all length scales are observed in turbulent clouds. The amount of energy present in a turbulent cascade structure at scale λ often follows the famous λ5/3 Kolmogorov scaling law. Most cloud measurements have been done at large scales, 10 m to 100 km. In this project we attempted to measure the energy spectrum of the turbulence at small scale lengths of 1 cm to 2 m. We used a commercial fog generator to supply the water droplets, a leaf blower to create additional air turbulence, and a solid state laser and detector system. The data were acquired automatically by computer software, which was able to detect rapid fluctuations in the direct transmission. We then ran a Fourier transform of the intensity vs. time data and obtained the energy spectrum. Finally, we report results on energy spectrum for direct transmission fluctuations and the degree to which they obey Kolmogorov scaling.
For more information, contact Dr. Brian Watson:
Return To 2006 Senior Projects
|
|
||
| © | St. Lawrence University | Department of Physics |
| Revised: 12 May 2006 | Canton, NY 13617 |