Clemson University
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Clemson, SC 29634-0921
Phone: (864) 656-5621
Fax: (864) 656-4435
E-Mail:
jrsaylor@ces.clemson.edu
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Clemson University |
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In this research we are attempting to make more accurate
measurements of rain drop size and shape, an important
parameter in dual-polarization radar measurements of rain. We
are collaborating with
Dr. Larry F. Bliven of NASA/GSFC, Wallops Flight Facility
who has developed the Rain Imaging System (RIS) which we use
in field research. This system consists of a camera which
images the raindrops which fall between it and a light source.
The image below is a compilation of several RIS video images
(a typical image usually has only one or two drops) showing
raindrops of various sizes. The `hole' in the center of some
of the raindrops is an image of the light source which is
located behind the drop, and is used to determine which of the
imaged drops are in the measurement region.
The following movie shows the images of raindrops as they are
acquired over time. This is a compilation of about 20 seconds
of rain, obtained when Tropical Storm Hanna passed over
Clemson, SC in 2002.
Spatter Display Movie of
Rain from TS Hanna (visualization by Disha Saxena) 
The color scheme in the above visualization paints newly measured drops as white which turn from yellow to orange to red and then to black as time passes.
Further work in this area will address the statistics of
raindrop size and shape as well as the role of surfactants in
rain.
This work sponsored by NASA and NSF.
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E-Mail:
jrsaylor@ces.clemson.edu
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Last Updated September 22, 2006.
