A virtual rain simulator for droplet transport in a centrifuge

Rain is one of the most important sources of geotechnical problems, as for example in slope stability, shallow foundations, pavements and others. Simulating rain in centrifuge models looks easy using nozzles developed for agricultural purposes; these nozzles produce droplets that simulate rain. However due to the presence of factors such as Coriolis force, drag on the droplets, evaporation, and wind around the model, the prediction of the distribution pattern of droplets over the model is a difficult task. For this reason, the conception of a rain device for centrifuge, producing homogeneous rain distribution, is only possible after a tedious experimental process of trial and error. This paper presents a virtual rain generator for centrifuge developed to help in the conception of raining devices in a centrifuge.