New Dimensionless Number for the Transition from Viscous to Turbulent Flow

Abstract

Within the framework of Classical Continuum Thermomechanics, we consider an unsteady isothermal flow of a simple isotropic linear viscous fluid in the liquid state to investigate the transient flow conditions. Despite the attention paid to this problem by several research works, it seems that the understanding of turbulence in these flow conditions is controversial. We propose a dimensionless procedure that highlights some aspects related to the transition from viscous to turbulent flow which occurs when a finite amplitude pressure wave travels through the fluid. This kind of transition is demonstrated to be described by a (first) dimensionless number, which involves the bulk viscosity. Furthermore, in the turbulent flow regime, we show the role played by a (second) dimensionless number, which involves the turbulent bulk viscosity, in entropy production. Within the frame of the 1D model, we test the performance of the dimensionless procedure using experimental data on the pressure waves propagation in a long pipe (water hammer phenomenon). The obtained numerical results show good agreement with the experimental data. The results’ inspection confirms the predominant role of the turbulent bulk viscosity on energy dissipation processes.