Tropical storms derive their energy through the evaporation of sea water that is enhanced by the wind. Monolayer cover application may reduce the evaporate rate, hence reducing the energy uptake and lowering the destructive power of the hurricane. However, it is noted that the monolayer may also calm the ocean surface, reducing hte drag coefficient between the wind and water surface. We will use a wind wave tank that has been specially built to simulate a few aspects of hurricanes. This system contains approximately 10 gallons of water.
Air speed is generated through a variable speed wheel paddle located over the water surface.
The wind agitates the water, simulating a hurricane. We shall do measurements on the effect of monolayer applications on the enthalpy transfer in the form of evaporation and also investigate the drag between the air and water as a function of wind speed, type of monolayer, etc. The enthalpy transfer into the air will be measured by inputting electrical energy into heating elements that are immersed in the water. The drag coefficient will be obtained by spindown experiments that measure the shear stress over the water surface caused by the wind. We will compare the experimental results with observations that were done on a few hurricane storms.