Measurements of Thermophysical Properties by Laminar Flow Methods

Abstract

1R39. Measurements of Thermophysical Properties by Laminar Flow Methods. - SV Ponomarev, SV Mishchenko (Tambov State Tech Univ, Russia), TF Irvine Jr (SUNY, Stony Brook NY). Begell House, New York. 2001. 273 pp. ISBN 1-56700-151-3. $97.50.Reviewed by E Logan (Dept of Mech and Aerospace Eng, Arizona State Univ, Tempe AZ 85287- 6106).This reference book is recommended for use by engineers, scientists, and post-graduate students who are concerned with the measurement of thermophysical properties of fluids. The present book emphasizes laminar flow methods to measure thermophysical properties of liquids. The reader should have a minimal background in partial differential equations, boundary value problems, the theory of viscous incompressible flow, the mechanics of non- Newtonian fluids, and convection heat transfer. The first chapter of this book comprises a review of the classical methods for the measurement of thermophysical properties of fluids. This includes measurements of laminar flow in tubes, between cylinders, and across a wire, from which thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity are inferred. The second part of the book comprises three chapters, Chapters 2-4, which treat the theoretical methods for the analysis of laminar flows. Chapter 2 develops the theory for the determination of thermal diffusivity from data taken from Newtonian and non-Newtonian laminar flows in tubes having a constant temperature wall, with and without internal heat generation. Chapter 3 develops the theory for the determination of thermal diffusivity, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity of liquids in laminar flows in tubes having a constant wall heat flux, with internal heat generation. The fourth chapter describes a method for determining thermophysical properties of liquids placed between concentric cylinders and sheared at various rates by the rotation of the outer cylinder. The third part of the book focuses on errors found in the measurement of thermophysical properties of liquids. In the fifth chapter, the authors discuss sources of errors arising from the measurement methods presented in Chapters 2-4. The assumptions used in the mathematical models are clearly delineated in Chapter 5. Chapter 6 emphasizes the design details of the apparatus needed for the measurement of thermophysical properties of liquids, and Chapter 7 provides a tabulation of the formulas needed to estimate errors in the measurement of thermophysical properties. Additionally, in this chapter, the formulas are applied to experimental data for water, toluene, and glycerine; the resulting numerical data are presented in the appendices. The book concludes with Chapter 8, which applies the methods presented in the book to specific problems, viz, the measurement of the thermophysical properties of alcohol, sewage, and polymer solutions. Measurements of Thermophysical Properties by Laminar Flow Methods is recommended for use as a reference book for university or corporate libraries, or for personal libraries of engineers and scientists. The authors’ presentation follows a logical course and is written in clear and succinct language. It presents the subject methodically and in great detail. The theory is reinforced by illustrative examples drawn from industrial situations and accompanied by detailed practical information. The reader quickly becomes aware of the authors’ vast knowledge of the theory and practice of the measurement of thermophysical properties of liquids in laminar flows. The book will undoubtedly prove practically useful to anyone attempting to measure the thermophysical properties of liquids. To aid in further comprehension of their work, the authors have provided the reader with over 200 carefully-selected references to background materials.