Energy growth in subcritical viscoelastic pipe flows

Abstract

This work studies the dynamics of linear non-modal waves in viscoelastic pipe flows of FENE-P fluids using transient growth and resolvent analyses. We particularly focus on the time evolution of the amplification of the disturbance energy (using the 4th-order Runge–Kutta method) and discuss the dynamical traits of the Orr and the critical-layer mechanisms in the conformation tensor field when the transient energy increases. The helical mode undergoes a larger energy growth than the axisymmetric mode. The effects of various flow parameters have been investigated on the growth rate and energy amplification of the non-modal waves and the optimal flow structures. It is found that when the elastic effect is stronger, the amplitude of the optimal conformation tensor in the pipe centre region becomes greater from a non-modal perspective. • Orr mechanism in the conformation tensor is at play when transient energy increases. • Conformation tensor in the pipe centre becomes greater when elasticity is stronger. • Helical modes, though stable, undergo larger energy growth than the axisymmetric mode.