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Oscillation models for predicting raindrop axis and backscatter ratios
Author(s) -
Beard K. V.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
radio science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1944-799X
pISSN - 0048-6604
DOI - 10.1029/rs019i001p00067
Subject(s) - oscillation (cell signaling) , physics , dissipation , backscatter (email) , ellipsoid , mechanics , non equilibrium thermodynamics , polarization (electrochemistry) , energy balance , degenerate energy levels , rotational symmetry , computational physics , thermodynamics , telecommunications , genetics , computer science , wireless , biology , chemistry , quantum mechanics , astronomy
Raindrop oscillations have been modeled using a potential flow, ellipsoidal variation about an equilibrium distortion along with a potential energy function that includes surface and gravitational energy. Two degenerate modes were investigated, the axisymmetric (vertical) oscillation and the ellipsoidal (horizontal) oscillation, and found to have different time‐averaged axis ratios and oscillation frequencies. Averaged axis and backscatter ratios were calculated for oscillations in a steady state balance between collisional energy and viscous dissipation. The results indicate that the polarization properties of rain are significantly affected by the nonequilibrium distortion of large drops in heavy rainfall.