Turbulent dispersion in drag‐reducing fluids

Abstract

AbstractTurbulent pipe flow was examined by measuring the radial dispersion of dyed fluid introduced at an axial point source within the flow. From the classical theoretical results of G. I. Taylor it was possible thereby to calculate various parameters that characterize the structure of the turbulent flow field. A comparison was made between water, and aqueous solutions of polyethylene oxide (Polyox) at concentrations up to 50 ppm (by weight). Results indicate that Polyox affects the turbulence in the following ways: (1) intensity is reduced, (2) the energy spectrum is shifted toward low frequency, (3) dispersion occurs largely through large scale motion, and intermittency is increased. Indication is also seen that a simple exponential form for the Lagrangian correlation coefficient is superior to other often recommended models.