Predicting raindrop speed from a given height

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The discussion focuses on calculating the sub-terminal speed of raindrops using a complex equation involving various parameters like density, viscosity, and empirical constants. The user is struggling with a difficult integral when trying to derive fall velocity in MATLAB, particularly due to the presence of V(t) on both sides of the equation. Suggestions include neatly writing out the equation for clarity and considering numerical methods for integral evaluation. The community encourages exploring simpler models from existing literature for comparison purposes. Overall, the aim is to develop a reliable model for measuring raindrop parameters.
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hi everybody,

so I'm working on a project where I'm trying to measure raindrop parameters, and one thing I'm looking at is the sub-terminal speed of drops released from a certain height. The equation that I'm using is from http://staff.science.uva.nl/~jboxel/Publications/PDFs/Gent_98.pdf

The gist of the equation that I was considering is:

F = g*ρw*∏*d^3/6 - 3*∏*d*μ*V*Ct*Cd

where Ct = 1+0.16*Re^(2/3)

and Re = ρVD/μ;

and Cd = 1+a(We+b)^c - ab^c

where a,b,c are empirically derived constants and We = ρ*V^2*d/σ

Basically, when I put everything together and try to calculate fall velocity, I get stuck with a disgusting integral, because I use

V(t)=∫a(t) = (1/m)*∫F(t)

Does anybody have suggestions for how to approach this? I just want to make a model in matlab.. it seems like I could do some kind of step approach, because I looked at the integral and it's really nasty, but I don't know what to do, because I have V(t) on both sides...

Or if anybody knows of a simpler model presented in a paper, I could use that too. I just want to compare my data with a preexisting model; it's not critical to my project, but I think it's important.
 
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uluru said:
Does anybody have suggestions for how to approach this? I just want to make a model in matlab.. it seems like I could do some kind of step approach, because I looked at the integral and it's really nasty, but I don't know what to do, because I have V(t) on both sides...
Hi uluru! Why don't you write the equation out neatly on paper and scan it? Someone may be able to offer suggestions on making V(t) the subject of the formula.

You may then be able to use a numerical method to evaluate the integral. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerical_integration
 
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