Alternative Title

Laser Velocimeter Measurement of Reynolds Stress and Turbulence in Dilute Polymer Solutions

Abstract

Measurements of Reynolds stress and axial and transverse turbulence intensities have been made in turbulent pipe flow of a dilute solution of high molecular weight polymer and compared to measurements made with pure water. A laser velocimeter capable of measuring these turbulence parameters has been developed and utilized.

Axial turbulence intensities are consistent in behavior and magnitude with previous polymer results and the measurements of transverse intensity and Reynolds stress are similarly well behaved and self consistent. Sublayer thickening in drag reducing polymer solution is observed, in consonance with earlier work. New results include demonstration that the turbulent shearing stress is reduced in the turbulent core by an amount proportional to the observed decrease in pressure gradient at the wall, and dramatically reduced near the wall to a thickness of several times that of the viscous sublayer in agreement with observed velocity profiles. Radial turbulence intensities are comparable with water in the turbulent core, but exhibit similar dramatic suppression near the wall region. Possible implications of these measurements toward the phenomenon of turbulent drag reduction are briefly discussed.

Meeting Name

3rd Biennial Symposium on Turbulence in Liquids (1973: Sep., Rolla, MO)

Department(s)

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Presentation Type

Contributed Paper

Session

Turbulence in Viscoelastic Fluids

Document Version

Final Version

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 1973 University of Missouri--Rolla, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 1973

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