Laminar Pipe Flow Research Articles

Mass distribution impacts on particle translation and orientation dynamics in dilute flows

We present a novel model for tracking particles (based on Lagrangian particle tracking) with inhomogeneous mass distribution. Without loss of generality, the presented approach captures inhomogeneity by assuming an offset spherical inclusion in an elongated ellipsoidal particle matrix. The model is first validated on simplified flow configurations such as particles settling in vacuum or air as well as suspended in simple shear and laminar pipe flow, where we achieved an excellent agreement with the available reference results. Furthermore, we investigate the impact of the inclusion parameters on the particle motion. Finally, the deposition of inhomogeneous particles in a simplified bifurcation is analyzed. We conclude that the consideration of inhomogeneity significantly alters the translational and orientational dynamics of the particles. Consequently, we advocate for the consideration of more realistic mass distributions to increase the accuracy of modeling and predicting the motion of inhomogeneous particles in flows for real-world applications.

Laminar swirling slender pipe flows

Swirling flows are extensively used to enhance mixing in chemical and physical processes. Although many fundamental studies involve decaying laminar swirls in circular ducts with constant area—for which several theoretical descriptions exist—converging and diverging pipe sections are often employed, demanding the extension of the analysis to swirling laminar flows in pipes with varying areas. This work analytically investigates axial swirl decay in laminar axisymmetric flows in converging and diverging pipes at moderate Reynolds numbers. The theoretical model extends the classical theory for laminar low swirling flows in straight pipes with impermeable walls to pipes with slowly varying areas. Inlet Reynolds number and converging/diverging angle effects are analyzed for incompressible axisymmetric laminar flows in slender pipes (lengths much greater than the radius). Results show that diverging pipes enhance the swirl decay rate, whereas converging systems have a weakening effect for flows with the same inlet Reynolds number. Conversely, increasing the inlet angle in converging flows decreases the decay rate, whereas larger diverging pipe inlet angles promote swirl decay. A simplified eigenvalue analysis shows that the relationship between the swirl decay lengths in diverging (ℓd,div), straight (ℓd,st), and converging (ℓd,conv) pipes is given by ℓd,div<ℓd,st<ℓd,conv for flows with similar inlet Reynolds numbers. Comparisons with numerical simulations show that the model predictions are almost exact for nondimensional pipe lengths up to 5×10−2 times the inlet Reynolds number. Approximating the axial velocity profile through a fully developed function representative of laminar flows with heat transfer through the walls shows that the narrower axial velocity profile in diverging flows increases viscous effects, enhancing the swirl decay rate. On the contrary, the flatter axial velocity profile in converging pipes further extends the decay length.

Theoretical treatment of the instability of fully developed laminar pipe flow taking wall roughness into account

Theoretical treatment of the instability of fully developed laminar pipe flow taking wall roughness into account

Pipeline Design for Venus Mass Spectrometer Using Axial Dispersion Residence Time Distributions

Precision atmospheric measurements from the Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble Gases, Chemistry, and Imaging (DAVINCI) mission will be used to describe columnar chemical variations for a broad range of atomic masses, relative abundances of trace species, and isotope ratios of noble gases. The gas processing system (GPS) in DAVINCI’s Venus Mass Spectrometer (VMS) is responsible for transferring and enriching gases delivered to the quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) at the heart of VMS. Flow simulations were performed with simplified computational and analytical models to inform trade studies and examine the nuances of timestamping samples admitted into the QMS. We evaluate the statistical latency of samples in relation to the altitudes from which they would be retrieved. Samples are considered concomitant when the residence time of the atmosphere is minimized and can be mapped to a corresponding altitude range. By computing the fraction of fluid parcels with science-compliant residence times, preliminary results indicate that the GPS could operate at 95% measurement concomitance with altitude on average. The method applies to laminar pipe flow without convective mixing, diffusion, or secondary friction losses. For continuous sampling, targeting a high level of concomitance alleviates some aspects of data uncertainty, including altitude (i.e., temporal) smearing.

Improvement of heat transfer within solar water heater’s tubes (SWH) using nanofluids

This research offers a numerical study of steady and laminar mixed convection flow in a circular pipe as part of a flat plate solar collector, which is crossed by nanofluids. The pipe is kept at a constant wall temperature and then at a constant heat flux, which represents the solar radiation received by the pipe. The governing coupled equations are solved with the finite volume approach. Computations are carried out using an in-house computer code, which has been satisfactorily validated by comparison to previous investigations. Empirical relations are used to predict the effective thermal conductivity and viscosity of nanofluids. The results are investigated using dynamic and thermal fields, with a special emphasis on the Nusselt number calculated along the active wall. They demonstrate that increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles and Reynolds number improves heat transfer.

Transition from laminar to turbulent pipe flow as a process of growing material instabilities

Experiments show that a laminar pipe flow starts to change to turbulence at Reynolds numbers around 2000. However, the classical Navier-Stokes theory fails to explain such a transition; according to it the pipe flow should always be stable and laminar. In the present work, it is hypothesized that the transition to turbulence occurs due to material rather than kinematic instabilities of the flow, and the classical Navier-Stokes theory is enhanced with a description of viscous strength. Numerical simulations of the pipe flow with and without the viscous strength are performed. The results show that material instabilities due to the viscous strength gradually develop into a turbulent flow, in agreement with the experimental observations. In the absence of viscous strength, the pipe flow remains laminar in disagreement with experiments. It is concluded that the material instabilities can generally compete with the kinematic ones in the process of transition from laminar to turbulent flow.

Viscosity-model-independent generalized Reynolds number for laminar pipe flow of shear-thinning and viscoplastic fluids

Understanding the flow dynamics of non-Newtonian fluids is crucial in various engineering, industrial, and biomedical applications. However, the existing generalized Reynolds number formulations for non-Newtonian fluids have limited applicability due to their dependencies on their specific viscosity models. In this study, we propose a new viscosity-model-independent generalized Reynolds number formulation for laminar pipe flow. The proposed method is based on the direct adaptation of the measurement principles of rotational viscometers for wall shear rate estimation. We assess the accuracy of this proposed formulation for power-law and Carreau-Yasuda viscosity models through robust friction factor experiments. The experimental results demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed viscosity-model-independent Reynolds number, as the measured friction factor data align closely with our Reynolds number predictions. Furthermore, we compare the accuracy of our Reynolds number formulation against established generalized Reynolds formulations for pure shear-thinning (Carreau-Yasuda) and viscoplastic (Herschel-Bulkley-extended) models. The results of the comparative analysis confirm the reliability and robustness of this generalized Reynolds number in characterizing and interpreting flow behavior in systems with visco-inelastic non-Newtonian fluids. This unified generalized Reynolds number formulation presents new and significant opportunities for precise pipe flow characterization and interpretation as it is applicable to any visco-inelastic (time-independent) viscosity model without requiring additional derivations.

High-speed two-color scanning volumetric laser-induced fluorescence

Many problems in fluid mechanics require single-shot 3D measurements of fluid flows, but are limited by available techniques. Here, we design and build a novel flexible high-speed two-color scanning volumetric laser-induced fluorescence (H2C-SVLIF) technique. The technique is readily adaptable to a range of temporal and spatial resolutions, rendering it easily applicable to a wide spectrum of experiments. The core equipment consists of a single monochrome high-speed camera and a pair of ND: YAG lasers pulsing at different wavelengths. The use of a single camera for direct 3D imaging eliminates the need for complex volume reconstruction algorithms and easily allows for the correction of distortion defects. Motivated by the large data loads that result from high-speed imaging techniques, we develop a custom, open-source, software package, which allows for real time playback with correction of perspective defects while simultaneously overlaying arbitrary 3D data. The technique is capable of simultaneous measurement of 3D velocity fields and a secondary tracer in the flow. To showcase the flexibility and adaptability of our technique, we present a set of experiments: (1) the flow past a sphere, and (2) vortices embedded in laminar pipe flow. In the first experiment, two channel measurements are taken at a resolution of 512 × 512 × 512 with volume rates of 65.1 Hz. In the second experiment, a single-color SVLIF system is integrated on a moving stage, providing imaging at 1280 × 304 × 256 with volume rates of 34.8 Hz. Although this second experiment is only single channel, it uses identical software and much of the same hardware to demonstrate the extraction of multiple information channels from single channel volumetric images.

Some experimental results for converging flow of dilute polymer solution

This paper presents the results of experimental studies of the flow of a dilute polymer solution in a converging pipe. Three geometries with restriction rates are considered: 2.41, 3.92, and 5.65. A water–glycerin solution of 0.1% polyacrylamide was used as a working fluid. Point velocity measurements are made by using the smoke image velocimetry technique, which previously was proved by the construction of velocity profiles corresponding to the laminar viscoelastic flow in a straight pipe. The influence of the Weissenberg number and the restriction rate of the channel on the velocity profiles are established for both transverse and longitudinal directions. For small Weissenberg numbers, the experimental results are compared with the numerical results obtained using the Giesekus and exponential form of Phan-Thien–Tanner rheological models. Three flow regimes are identified: flow without vortex, vortex enhancement, and divergent flow, which is consistent with published results on the abrupt contraction and converging flows. Vortex length for a wide range of Weissenberg numbers is well predicted by a logarithm function. Modified expression of stretch rate with location of detachment plane can predict the flow regimes and the onset of unsteady flow in converging channels.

Ten Years of Passion: I.S. Gromeka’s Contribution to Science

The work and life of Ippolit Stepanovich Gromeka is reviewed. Gromeka authored a classical set of eleven papers on fluid dynamics in just ten years before a tragic illness ended his life. Sadly, he is not well known to the western scientific community because all his publications were written in Russian. He is one of the three authors who independently derived an analytical solution for accelerating laminar pipe flow. He was the first to eliminate the contradiction between the theories of Young and Laplace on capillary phenomena. He initiated the theoretical basis of helical (Beltrami) flow, and he studied the movement of cyclones and anticyclones seventeen years before Zermelo (whose work is considered as pioneering). He is also the first to analyse wave propagation in liquid-filled hoses, thereby including fluid–structure interaction.

Analytical solution for laminar entrance flow in circular pipes

This study introduces an analytical solution for the laminar entrance flow in circular pipes, aiming to confirm the occurrence of velocity overshoot. Velocity overshoot is characterised by the maximum axial velocity appearing near the pipe wall instead of the central axis. Similar to the previous studies, the analytical solution is derived from the parabolised Navier–Stokes equation; however, the specific approach used in linearising the momentum equation has not been attempted before. The accuracy of this analytical solution has been verified through a comprehensive comparison with various published experimental data. The existence of velocity overshoot at a short distance from the inlet, which is evident in numerous numerical calculations based on the full Navier–Stokes equations and corroborated by recent magnetic resonance (MR) velocimetry experiments, is identified analytically for the first time. The parabolised Navier–Stokes equation has inherent self-similarity with respect to the Reynolds number, implying that $Re$ is incorporated into the dimensionless variables rather than serving as an independent flow parameter. According to both MR velocimetry measurements and the present analytical solution, the self-similarity is not valid immediately following the pipe inlet, and this becomes more evident as $Re$ decreases; hence, the analytical solution derived from the parabolised Navier–Stokes equation cannot accurately predict the evolution of the velocity profile within this region near the pipe inlet.

Two-dimensional Numerical Analysis of Waves at Interface of Laminar Core-annular Flow in Vertical Pipe: Detailed Investigation of Influence of Several Physical Parameters

Two-dimensional Numerical Analysis of Waves at Interface of Laminar Core-annular Flow in Vertical Pipe: Detailed Investigation of Influence of Several Physical Parameters

Hydrodynamics of laminar pipe flow through an extended partial blockage by CFD

Abstract In this paper, an advanced three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is used to analyse the steady-state hydrodynamics of laminar flow through an extended partial blockage (PB) in a pressurised pipe. PB corresponds to one of the main faults affecting pipelines. In fact, it reduces its carrying capacity with economic consequences, and as it does not give rise to any external evidence, its detection can be very challenging. The performance of the model is evaluated by comparing the numerical results with the available experimental data from the literature. Subsequently, the velocity and pressure distributions are analysed, and the main features of the flow field are described in terms of both local and global dimensionless parameters. Furthermore, the behaviour of the discharge coefficient is also investigated. The obtained results confirm that steady-state measurements can identify the presence of PB and follow its evolution over time but cannot detect its location and size. On the other hand, the location and severity of PBs can be provided by means of transient tests.

Pressure Drop for Laminar Flow in 3D Straight and Elbow Pipes Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Designing piping systems for laminar flow requires an understanding of pressure drop. Pressure drop can offer insights for selecting pipe materials, designing an efficient piping system, and choosing the appropriate elbows and fittings. Utilizing numerical simulations, the pressure drop in straight pipes, 45o bends, 90o bends, and 180o bends is examined. Velocity profiles for straight pipes and bends are compared, revealing the increase in pressure drop caused by the bend in comparison to the straight pipe. The numerical simulation results indicate that the bend results in an increased pressure drop in the pipe's flow.

Pressure–flow rate relationship and its polynomial expansion for laminar flow in a circular pipe based on exponential viscosity-pressure characteristics: An extension of classical Poiseuille's law

Laminar flow in circular pipes is widespread in various fields. Poiseuille's law is the classical equation describing the pressure–flow rate relationship for laminar flow in circular pipes. However, the fluid viscosity is treated as a constant in Poiseuille's law. Therefore, Poiseuille's law cannot be used to accurately analyze fluids that have viscosities that vary exponentially with pressure, such as hydraulic oils and lubricating oils. In this study, with the exponential viscosity-pressure characteristics, a total of four simple and explicit equations are given for calculating the flow rate or pressure difference of the pipe, and corresponding polynomial expansions are derived based on the Taylor series. Experimental tests and computational fluid dynamics simulations are carried out to verify the correctness of the theoretical equations, with error of less than 6% and 2%, respectively. An error analysis of the theoretical equations for different numbers of polynomial terms is also performed. The results show that the proposed theoretical equations all degenerate to the classical Poiseuille's law when the number of polynomial terms is taken to be 1, and the relative errors are less than ±5% for viscosity changes less than 10%. When the number of terms is 2, the relative error is less than ±5% for viscosity changes less than 40%. In the calculation of connection pipelines of a deep-sea hydraulic actuator, the difference in pressure loss calculated with or without viscosity change is 31.47% and reaches up to 5.7202 MPa, which shows the practical value of this research in piping systems.

Experimental and numerical study of flow structure in a model of distal anastomosis of femoral artery

Physical and numerical simulation of the steady blood flow was carried out focusing on the distal end-to-side anastomosis of a graft to the femoral artery. The angle between the graft and the artery was 60°. Two Reynolds numbers were considered that corresponded to the physiological range when estimated using the average (Re = 240) and maximum (Re = 1640) blood flow through the human femoral artery over a single cardiac cycle. The experiment included flow visualization and measurements of instantaneous vector fields of velocity using an optical SIV (Smoke Image Velocimetry) technique. Direct numerical simulation (DNS) was employed for numerical study. The distribution of blood flows through the branches of the main artery was 80 % in the antegrade and 20 % in the retrograde direction. Main patterns in the distribution of velocity and its root-mean-square fluctuations in both branches of the main artery were revealed. Flow separation regions were observed in the branching area. Additionally, secondary flows (Prandtl’s vortices of the first kind) were revealed. The flow in the branching area was still laminar Re = 240, while the signs of transition to turbulence were documented within separation regions at Re = 1640. Distributions of streamwise and circumferential components of skin friction vector were estimated. In some regions of flow, these components were shown to be comparable in size. The location of regions was revealed in which the friction magnitude in the considered flow regimes was lower than the one in an unimpaired artery (developed laminar flow in a circular pipe) at appropriate Reynolds numbers.

Heat transfer and thermal efficiency enhancement using twisted tapes in sinusoidal wavy tubes with nanofluids: a numerical study

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to propose a novel implementation of twisted tape in sinusoidal wavy-walled tubes to enhance the rate of heat transfer without compromising thermal efficiency. The study numerically investigates the fluid flow characteristics and analyzes the effect of different geometrical configurations, including wall wave amplitude, tape twist angles and nanoparticle volume fractions, on heat transfer improvement and performance factor.Design/methodology/approachThis problem is numerically investigated using computational fluid dynamics, and the method is the finite volume method. A two-phase mixture model is used for nanofluid modeling.FindingsThe study investigated the effect of wall waviness, twisted tape, and nanoparticles on forced convective heat transfer and friction factor behavior in laminar pipe flow in three different Reynolds number regimes. The results showed that implementing twisted tape in wavy tubes significantly increased the rate of heat transfer and the performance factor, with the best twist ratio between 90 and 180°. Adding nanoparticles also enhanced heat transfer and performance factor, but to a lesser extent than wavy wall-twisted tape combinations. The study suggests selecting a proper combination of wavy wall and twisted tape at each Reynolds number to achieve an optimum solution.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the implementation of the selected passive methods in sinusoidal wavy tubes has not been studied before, and no previous studies have taken into account such a mix of heat transfer improvement techniques.

Similarity relations for laminar pipe flows of Bingham fluids in friction coordinates

Similarity relations for laminar pipe flows of Bingham fluids in friction coordinates

On Exact Solutions to Problems of Steady Flow of Incompressible Viscous Fluid in a Channel and in a Circular Pipe

Turning to the well-known Couette flow, we again, but now in a new formulation, consider the steady motion of an incompressible viscous fluid in a channel with two parallel flat walls, one of which is stationary while the other moves at a constant speed in its plane. In the classical formulation of this problem on a layered (laminar) fluid flow in a channel, the wall velocity and the constant pressure drop along the channel are independent quantities and are considered predetermined. However, when a solid body moves along the fluid surface, the fluid particles are set in motion. This occurs due to the arising pressure generated in the fluid caused by the movement of the solid body. Therefore, here the pressure or pressure drop is not predetermined but is determined as a result of solving the corresponding two-dimensional boundary value problem of a steady flow of a viscous fluid in a channel. For this, the corresponding boundary value problem of a fluid flow in the channel is formulated based on the linearized Navier-Stokes equations obtained from the general nonlinear Navier-Stokes equations for a steady flow of a viscous fluid neglecting the convective terms, which is true for small Reynolds numbers. Using the Fourier integral transform method, an exact (closed) solution to this boundary value problem is constructed; the velocity and pressure components are determined. Then it is shown that the resulting solution, different from the known Couette flow solution, also satisfies the original nonlinear Navier-Stokes equations, the continuity equation, and boundary conditions. A comparative analysis of the new solution with the Couette flow solution is carried out. The well-known Hagen-Poiseuille problem is also discussed from the point of view of establishing the conditions for the laminar axisymmetric and steady flow of an incompressible viscous fluid in a straight circular pipe According to the study's results, to implement laminar flow under the indicated conditions, the pressure drop along the pipe must be constant. The study demonstrates that this condition is simultaneously sufficient, and therefore, the necessary and sufficient condition is established for a laminar flow in a straight circular pipe.

Determining the flow transition from laminar to turbulence using simple spin-echo magnetic resonance techniques

We have recently introduced a methodology to determine the average velocity and flow behavior index of laminar pipe flow of a power-law fluid using simple magnetic resonance (MR) techniques. In general, MR techniques are noninvasive and capable of working on optically opaque fluids. Knowledge of the average velocity and flow behavior index provides the information needed to reconstruct the flow velocity profile. However, as the flow velocity increases, the flow will begin to develop turbulence. For pipe flow of a particular fluid, the velocity profile is flatter in the center of the pipe at turbulent flow rates compared with laminar flow. An effective flow behavior index can approximate the time-averaged velocity profile, as the Reynolds number increases, as a fluid transitions from laminar to turbulent flow. Here, we show the results of testing the utility of such a simplification in monitoring that transition. For the present study, Reynolds numbers ranged from approximately 490 to 6800, which corresponds to flow rates of 200 to 2750 ml/min and average velocity of 5 to 80 cm/s. We found that visual inspection of the data would be sufficient to determine the state of the flow. With some external knowledge of the flow rate, the shape of the time-averaged velocity profile and eddy diffusivity can be estimated (and potentially also an average fluid particle acceleration).