Fluid Free Surface Proximity Effect on a Sphere Vertically Accelerated from Rest

Abstract

Theory is developed to estimate the effect of free surface proximity on the initial added mass of a sphere accelerated vertically upward from rest in an ideal fluid. It is assumed that the acceleration regime is sufficiently brief that inertial forces predominate and gravitational effects may be neglected. Results of tests in water indicate that while there are slight viscous and gravitational effects over the acceleration regime, the agreement between theory and experiment is good. It is concluded that over briefer acceleration regimes these effects would decrease and the agreement would improve.